HBU Defeats UCF, 2-1

Phillip Hagerty, Francisco Diaz score goals for the Huskies

Francisco Diaz (Photo by Mark Miller)

ORLANDO, Fla. – The HBU men’s soccer team got goals from a pair of freshmen and held on from a late rally by UCF to hold off the Golden Knights for a 2-1 victory Friday evening on the first day of the UCF Tournament.

Phillip Hagerty gave the Huskies a 1-0 lead midway through the first half, as he headed a corner kick from Tanner Fyfe. Francisco Diaz gave the visitors a 2-0 advantage midway through the second half as he dribbled in and deflected a cross from Duke Ogega into the net.

The Golden Knights cut the deficit to one with eight minutes left in regulation as Evan Kluge sent a cross into the box and Gianni Piccoletti headed it in. The goal was also assisted by Michele Martucci.

But it was too little too late for UCF as the Huskies held on for the win.

In a game statistically dominated by the Golden Knights (2-2-0), the Huskies played strong in their first night game of the season. UCF outshot HBU 16-6, including a 5-2 advantage on shots on goal. UCF had a 13-2 advantage in corner kicks..

Michael Bouchahine earned his second win on the season as he made four saves. His counterpart, Shawn Doyle made no saves.

HBU (3-3) will conclude the UCF Tournament against Florida Atlantic Sunday morning at 10 am CST.