NORFOLK, Va. - UCF (5-5-2) and Old Dominion (5-4-4) played to a 1-1 draw in a tightly contested conference match on Saturday evening at the ODU Soccer Complex. The teams traded first-half goals in front of 1,247 fans, with neither able to find a winner despite numerous chances in the second period.
Malick Thiaw put UCF ahead in the 14th minute, finishing a well-worked move assisted by Frederic Benedix. Old Dominion equalized in the 24th minute through Lewis Rourke, who connected on a cross from Jamie Wynne to level the score at 1-1, a scoreline that would hold through the final whistle.
The first half saw both teams create quality opportunities, with Old Dominion's Lewis Rourke particularly active early, forcing two saves before his equalizing goal. UCF's attack was spearheaded by Malick Thiaw and Younes Boudinar, with Boudinar sending a dangerous shot just over the bar in the 23rd minute. The Knights managed six first-half shots, while the Monarchs recorded five attempts.
Second-half action intensified as both sides pushed for a winner. UCF's Joey Mueller tested the Monarchs' defense with a blocked shot in the 52nd minute, while Old Dominion's Evan Watt responded with a close-range effort in the 72nd minute that narrowly missed the target. The introduction of Kenn Muendo for UCF in the 66th minute added fresh energy to the Knights' attack, though his 84th-minute attempt sailed high.
The final statistics reflected the evening's even battle, with both teams recording 13 shot attempts. Old Dominion held a slight advantage in shots on goal (6-4) and earned more corner kicks (5-2). The match's physical nature was evident in the foul count, with Old Dominion's Miguel Menendez receiving the game's only yellow card in the 86th minute for unsporting behavior.
Several players stood out individually throughout the match. UCF's Clarence Awoudor proved dangerous in attack, forcing a save in the 80th minute, while Frederic Benedix created multiple chances including the assist on Thiaw's goal. For Old Dominion, Micah Wayland was influential in midfield before being substituted in the 63rd minute, and Lewis Rourke's goal capped an impressive offensive display.
Tactically, both teams demonstrated disciplined defensive organization while looking to strike on the counter. UCF's high press caused problems for Old Dominion's build-up play early, but the Monarchs adjusted well after the first quarter hour. The Knights' tactical shift in the second half, bringing on fresh attackers, nearly paid dividends but was met by equally resolute defending from the home side.
The draw maintains both teams' recent unbeaten runs, with Old Dominion now undefeated in three matches following their impressive 10-0 victory over Regent. UCF extends their positive streak to three games, building on recent wins against Georgia Southern and Bradley.
Looking ahead, both teams face quick turnarounds with midweek fixtures. Old Dominion travels to West Virginia for a crucial conference matchup on October 22, while UCF returns home to host James Madison on the same evening. Both matches kick off at 7:00 PM as the regular season enters its final stretch.