Union Down UCF 1-0 in Third Preseason Match
Zach Pfeffer's strike from distance was his first professional goal in any competition.
Orlando, Fla. (February 13, 2011) – Philadelphia
Union edged the University of Central Florida 1-0 at UCF’s Track and Soccer
Complex on Sunday. 16-year-old Zach Pfeffer netted the match’s lone goal, his
first in any competition as a member of the Union.
SEE: Match Photos
After an uneventful
first half, Pfeffer provided all the offense Philadelphia would need. The
club’s first Home Grown Player dribbled into space and rocketed a shot from 35 yards out into the top right corner for a 1-0 lead.
"When I looked up there was no one
really stepping to me so I just let one rip and happened to make the best
contact you could make on the ball," Pfeffer said after the match. "It was upper-ninety
–
one of the best, if
not the best goal I've ever scored."
The Union held
UCF scoreless the rest of the way, capturing their second straight preseason
victory and remaining undefeated through three matches.
READ: Pfeffer in Disbelief After First Pro Goal
"I think we did well moving the ball," Pfeffer said. "We kept possession
most of the time and defensively we did well because they really didn’t have
too many chances or shots on goal. We had two or three extra chances that we
could’ve put in the back of the net that we didn’t."
Added midfielder
Amobi Okugo: "I thought we could’ve done better in the final
third in terms of finishing, but overall we kept a solid base, solid backline,
kept the zero. Our possession was pretty good –
we're just trying to build on
every game. We're looking forward to the season."
Philadelphia will play
the last match of their preseason camp in Florida on Saturday, February 19,
when they face Orlando City S.C. at the Florida Citrus Bowl. Kickoff is
set for 7:00 p.m. EST. Tickets remain available and can be purchased
through TicketMaster.com or at the Amway Center Box Office.
Scoring
Summary:
PHI – Zach Pfeffer 1 (unassisted) 53'
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Related:
WATCH: Who is Zach Pfeffer?