By Don Strouble
Though an inclement weather delay pushed back the UCF men’s soccer 2024 home opener by nearly an hour, the Knights came with their swords drawn.
19th ranked UCF put together a balanced effort that saw three different Knights score as they started their 2024 campaign with a 3-1 victory over the Mercer Bears. Fifth year forward Lucca Dourado got things started for UCF, as he scored his 38th career goal following an assist in which forwards Emmanuel Bam and Clarence Awoudor combined on.
Awoudor , a junior, added to the lead just minutes after aiding Dourado’s goal by converting on a penalty kick, and Emmanuel Bam opened the early minutes of the second half with a savvy goal of his own off of an assist provided by sophomore midfielder Yanis Belatrache. The Knights played aggressively as they bated Mercer into foul trouble and dominated shots on goal, all while leaning on their veterans to lead them to victory.
Bam showcased his ability to facilitate and score when needed, which is something the senior forward prides himself on.
“I’ve always wanted to be an impact player, so any time I can assist or score a goal it’s great and it’s just great that we have a lot of players on the team that can score and assist,” Bam said.
The Accra, Ghana native credited his performance and this season to his friend, Louisa, who recently passed away. His tribute to her was signified by a wristband.
“Every time I step on the field, I just want to play for her because she was a soccer player herself,” Bam said. “It hit me really hard, but this season is dedicated to her, and I want to do everything I can whenever I step on the field, score or assist, or do whatever I can to make sure she’s smiling in Heaven.”
Dourado spoke to Bam’s impact on him as they began their farewell tour as collegiate teammates.
“It’s been great, we have been together for probably three years now, so I think it’s probably the best connection I have here at UCF, so hopefully we continue to grow,” Dourado said.
Head Coach Scott Calabrese lauded Dourado and his other fifth year players for their impact on the team as they play their final season in a Knights uniform.
“I think the guys you’re talking about are incredible leaders within this team. They’re the foundation of what’s going to happen this year, and they’re great human beings, great teammates,” Calabrese said.
While an opening Knight victory has instilled confidence in this men’s club, Coach Calabrese and the Knights understand that the work is just beginning as they prepare for a short turn around before facing Seattle University in their first top 25 matchup of the 2024 season.
“Now we have another challenge in Seattle, a top 20 ranked team,” Calabrese said. “So, you know, we’re going to have to do everything we can to recover physically to be ready for what is going to be an even more difficult game than the one tonight.”
The Knights will have to defend their kingdom once again when they face Seattle University on Sunday, Aug.25th at 5 p.m.
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