@CanesFutbol to Open Season with Exhibition at UCF

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – After a nine-month wait, the University of Miami soccer team will start its 2016 campaign Thursday at UCF.

The Hurricanes and Knights will square off in an exhibition match at 7 p.m., at UCF Soccer Complex in Orlando, Fla.

Miami and UCF played a thrilling game during the 2015 regular season, with the Hurricanes storming back from a 3-0 halftime deficit to force extra time, before falling, 4-3, in double overtime.

The Hurricanes are coming off a successful spring season during which they won all four of their contests without conceding a goal and outscored opponents, 14-0. Miami rolled past the Costa Rican Youth National Team, 6-0, topped FGCU, 1-0, won at FIU, 3-0, and defeated Barry, 4-0.

Miami, led by fourth-year head coach Mary-Frances Monroe, returns 17 players from last season’s roster, including seven starters.

Senior forward Gracie Lachowecki, the Hurricanes’ leader in points (25) and goals (12) in 2015, is among the returnees. Two of last year’s captains, senior midfielder/defender Gianna Dal Pozzo and redshirt senior defender Shannon McCarthy, are also back.

UCF posted a 12-6-2 (6-3-0 AAC) record in 2015 and reached the NCAA Championship, losing a penalty kick shootout to William & Mary in the first round.

Miami will be without redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Catalina Perez for the match at UCF, as she is in Brazil with the Colombian National Women’s Team for the Olympic Games.

The Hurricanes’ matchup with UCF is the first of two exhibition affairs, as they are set to host FC Surge Sunday at 1 p.m., at Cobb Stadium.

Live stats for Thursday night’s contest between the Hurricanes and Knights will be available HERE.

To keep up with the University of Miami soccer team on social media, follow @CanesFutbol on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.