UCF v Philadelphia Union - 2/13/2011

I am a huge soccer fan, as well as a huge UCF fan so when I was told their was a friendly exhibition match between UCF and an MLS team it wasn't a question that I would be in attendance with my camera ready:

 A brisk 50 degrees in Florida saw the beginning of a friendly between UCF Soccer and the Major League Soccer's Philadelphia Union.  As the sun came up, it seemed as if it loosened the joints and the game got heated.

 It was a close fought match between the teams, both with good shots on goal, solid defense, and equal ball control.

 Set piece after set piece saw the ball knocking at the door as neither team was able to put it into the net in the first half of regulation.

 Without even a hint as to the intentions of one of the Union's midfields, he reared back and struck a knuckle ball goal that was even too quick and masked for my camera to capture.

With the game still 0-1, UCF began to really apply the pressure which included a very physical challenge netting, not a goal, but a straight red card at the midway point of the second half.  This game was no longer a friendly.

Both teams had chances late but in the end it was the Union's goalkeeper that kept the game in his teams favor and ultimately sealed the victory with multiple close range saves!

All in all it was a great game!