Orlando, FL — In a physical contest that featured nine saves, three yellow cards, and countless scoring opportunities, UCF and South Florida played to a 1-1 draw in their American Athletic Conference clash Friday night at FBC Mortgage Stadium.
The Bulls struck first blood early when Brandon Nyagurungo found the back of the net just 3:25 into the match, capitalizing on a perfect feed from João Belmudes. The early goal sent the visiting USF supporters into a frenzy and put immediate pressure on the Knights to respond.
South Florida goalkeeper Jahiem Wickham was the story of the first half, making save after save to preserve his team's advantage. The junior netminder turned away multiple UCF attempts, frustrating the home crowd as the Knights pressed for an equalizer.
UCF's persistence finally paid off in the 26th minute when Clarence Awoudor leveled the score with a clinical finish to the lower center of the goal. The play developed through a combination between Claudel N'goubou and Lilian Ricol, with Ricol providing the final assist on what would prove to be the game's final goal.
"Wickham was absolutely phenomenal tonight," said one observer. The USF keeper finished with nine saves, repeatedly denying UCF's attack which outshot the Bulls 10-2 overall. His performance included a crucial stretch in the 67th and 68th minutes where he made three consecutive saves to keep the match level.
The physical nature of the rivalry was on full display as referee issued three yellow cards — Awoudor (19'), USF's Marcelo Mondragon (51'), Tyler Richardson (68'), and UCF's Ricol (74'). The Bulls accumulated eight fouls to UCF's nine, with both teams showing the intensity expected in this regional rivalry.
UCF dominated possession and created more chances, earning six corner kicks to USF's two and maintaining pressure throughout both halves. Ricol was particularly dangerous for the Knights, recording four shots including one that struck the woodwork in the 54th minute. Awoudor added two shots on goal to lead all players.
Both coaches made strategic substitutions throughout the match, with USF making 11 changes and UCF making 6, as they tried to find the winning formula. The fresh legs injected energy but couldn't break the deadlock.
The second half saw end-to-end action with both teams pushing for a winner. USF's best chance came late when Jakob Auby's shot sailed high in the 89th minute, while UCF peppered the Bulls' goal with attempts that were either blocked or saved by the outstanding Wickham.
For UCF, the draw extends their unbeaten streak but represents two points dropped at home. The Knights will rue their missed opportunities, particularly given their significant advantage in shots and possession.
South Florida, meanwhile, will view this as a valuable point earned on the road against their rivals. Wickham's heroics and their defensive resilience, despite being outshot 10-2, earned them a share of the spoils.
The result keeps both teams in the thick of the AAC race as conference play heats up. With the rivalry renewed and honors even, both squads will look ahead to their next challenges knowing that every point matters in the competitive conference landscape.
Final Score: UCF 1, South Florida 1
Stats at a glance: UCF outshot USF 10-2, earned 6 corners to USF's 2, while USF goalkeeper Jahiem Wickham recorded 9 saves. Three yellow cards were issued in the physical contest.