UCF Demolishes UTRGV 4-0 in Dominant First-Half Display Knights Score Four Goals in 21 Minutes to Overwhelm Vaqueros in Season Opener
Orlando, Florida – The University of Central Florida Knights delivered a statement performance in their 2025 season opener, dismantling UT Rio Grande Valley 4-0 with a devastating first-half blitz that left the Vaqueros reeling at their home venue.
The Knights' clinical finishing and tactical superiority were on full display as they netted four goals in a remarkable 21-minute span, effectively ending the contest before halftime. UCF outshot UTRGV 17-12 overall and dominated possession throughout the 90 minutes, showcasing the depth and quality that could make them a force in college soccer this season.
The onslaught began in the 13th minute when Malick Thiaw opened the scoring with a composed right-footed finish into the bottom left corner. The goal came courtesy of an unlikely assist from goalkeeper Juanvi Muñoz, whose distribution sparked the attacking move that caught the Vaqueros' defense off guard.
UCF doubled their advantage just 13 minutes later through Claudel N'goubou, who converted a left-footed effort into the bottom center of the net. Sora Funakoshi provided the assist for N'goubou's strike, which came during a period of sustained pressure that saw the Knights create multiple scoring opportunities.
The Knights' third goal arrived in the 31st minute via Lilian Ricol, whose right-footed shot found the same bottom center target. Clarence Awoudor, who would finish the match with two assists, set up Ricol's finish with precise service that highlighted UCF's fluid attacking movement.
The first-half demolition was completed in the 35th minute when Seiryu Ono capped the scoring spree with a left-footed strike, again into the bottom center of the goal. Frederic Benedix provided the assist for Ono's effort, which came just moments after UTRGV's Eduardo De Oliveira received a yellow card for unsporting behavior.
The Vaqueros struggled to generate meaningful attacking threats throughout the contest, managing just two shots on target compared to UCF's eight. UTRGV goalkeeper Alexis Gonzalez made several crucial saves to prevent an even more lopsided scoreline, including a penalty save from Clarence Awoudor in the 56th minute that denied the Knights a fifth goal.
UCF's tactical approach proved superior in every phase of the game. The Knights won more corner kicks (5-3), maintained better discipline with fewer cards, and demonstrated superior fitness levels as they continued to create chances well into the second half.
The Vaqueros made multiple substitutions in an attempt to stem the tide, including a goalkeeper change in the 69th minute when Yoav Paltin replaced Gonzalez. However, UCF's dominance was already established, and they comfortably saw out the victory while managing their squad for future matches.
UTRGV's best opportunities came through set pieces and sporadic counter-attacks, but they struggled to break down UCF's organized defensive structure. The home side managed just six total shots, with efforts from Eduardo De Oliveira, Mads Dahl, and others failing to trouble the Knights' defense.
This comprehensive victory provides UCF with significant momentum heading into their upcoming fixtures, while UTRGV will need to regroup quickly after a disappointing home opener that exposed defensive frailties and attacking limitations.
Key Players
- Clarence Awoudor (UCF) - Orchestrated the attack with two assists and constant threat, nearly added goal from penalty spot
- Claudel N'goubou (UCF) - Clinical finishing with one goal and three total shots, caused problems throughout first half
- Alexis Gonzalez (UTRGV) - Made crucial saves including penalty stop to prevent heavier defeat, kept team competitive