Wake Forest Rallies Past UCF 2-1 in Thrilling Season Opener Sixth-ranked Demon Deacons overcome early defensive struggles with late second-half surge
The sixth-ranked Wake Forest Demon Deacons opened their 2025 campaign with a dramatic 2-1 victory over the University of Central Florida Knights, surviving a late scare in what proved to be an entertaining season opener for both programs.
After a scoreless first half that saw Wake Forest control possession but struggle to find the final product, the Demon Deacons exploded into life in the final 20 minutes. The breakthrough finally came in the 74th minute when Ryan Belal capitalized on excellent build-up play from Basit Umar, who threaded a precise assist to set up Belal's clinical finish that broke UCF's stubborn defensive resistance.
The goal capped off a dominant second-half performance from Wake Forest, who had peppered the UCF goal throughout the opening 45 minutes. Jeffrey White had come closest in the early stages, forcing two excellent saves from Knights goalkeeper Juanvi Muñoz, including a dangerous effort in the opening minute that set the tone for Wake Forest's attacking intent.
Just seven minutes after taking the lead, Wake Forest appeared to put the match to bed when Jeffrey White doubled their advantage with an unassisted strike in the 81st minute. White's second goal of the evening showcased the midfielder's versatility and clinical finishing ability, as he found space in the box to fire home what seemed like the decisive blow.
However, UCF refused to surrender, and substitute Kenn Muendo provided immediate impact just 94 seconds later. The midfielder's 82nd-minute goal, coming off a rebound after Claudel N'goubou's initial effort was saved by Wake Forest goalkeeper Jonah Mednard, set up a frantic final eight minutes that tested the Demon Deacons' composure.
The statistical battle told the story of two evenly matched sides, with Wake Forest edging the shot count 16-14 and managing seven shots on target to UCF's seven. However, it was the timing and quality of chances that proved decisive, with the Demon Deacons showing superior clinical finishing when it mattered most.
UCF's Sora Funakoshi emerged as a constant threat for the Knights, registering three shots with all three finding the target. The attacking player's persistence nearly paid dividends in the closing stages, forcing three saves from Mednard including crucial stops in the 76th and 79th minutes that preserved Wake Forest's narrow advantage.
Wake Forest's tactical adjustments proved crucial, with Cooper Flax providing early energy in midfield before giving way to fresh legs. The Demon Deacons' bench depth showed as they made strategic substitutions to maintain their intensity throughout the contest.
For UCF, the performance will provide encouragement despite the defeat. The Knights matched their ranked opponents for large periods and showed resilience in fighting back from a two-goal deficit. Muñoz's six saves kept his team competitive throughout, while the late surge demonstrated the character that could serve them well in conference play.
The victory gives Wake Forest early momentum as they begin their pursuit of another successful campaign, while the narrow margin of defeat suggests UCF will be a force to reckon with as the season progresses. Both teams showed the tactical sophistication and competitive spirit that makes college soccer compelling viewing.
Key Players
- Jeffrey White (Wake Forest) - Scored the decisive second goal and consistently threatened throughout, recording three shots with all finding the target
- Juanvi Muñoz (UCF) - Made six crucial saves to keep the Knights competitive against ranked opposition
- Sora Funakoshi (UCF) - Led the Knights' attack with three shots on target and created numerous dangerous opportunities