<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2joNU0_0viY41FL00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2joNU0_0viY41FL00" width="1164" height="717" ><figcaption>Freshmen defender Gwendal Degorce in UCF's 0-0 tie to South Florida on Sept. 15&nbsp; at the UCF Soccer Complex. Courtesy of UCF Athletics</figcaption></figure>UCF men’s soccer suffered a 2-0 defeat to No. 21 James Madison University on Saturday at the Sentara Park Athletic Stadium.There was a two-and-a-half hour delay before kick off due to inclement weather. The Knights first Sun Belt Conference matchup of the season didn't get underway until just before 10 p.m.Fifth-year defender Davide Materazzi gave JMU the lead in the 46th minute. UCF struggled to clear the ball following a corner kick by JMU and was punished when Materazzi’s close-range effort deflected past redshirt freshman goalkeeper Shane Wright.The Dukes added their second goal in the 61st minute through redshirt sophomore defender Jordan McMillen when Knights' senior midfielder Ousmane Ba was dispossessed in center field by JMU redshirt senior forward Evan Southern.Southern linked up with a galloping McMillen on numerous passes to slice through UCF’s defense and allow the Dukes defender to finish from point-blank range.The Knights struggled in the opening period. Fifth-year defender Anderson Rosa and junior forward Clarence Awoudor were unable to trouble James Madison's goalkeeper from either of UCF’s two first half shot attempts.James Madison created most of the chances in the first half with five shot attempts, yet both teams went into the break with no goals scored.After falling behind in the second half, UCF tried its best to get back into the game, with two out of its three shots on goal coming in the final 20 minutes. Sophomore midfielder Yanis Belatrache came the closest to scoring for the Knights, but his effort was tipped over the left side of the post.James Madison protected its 2-0 lead for the remainder of the half, handing the Knights their first loss against a ranked opponent since last season.The Knights record now stands at 2-2-3 on the season.The next game for UCF will be against Georgia State at 7 p.m. Friday at the UCF Soccer and Track Complex.</div></body>

Mountain View, CA

NewsBreak

UCF men's soccer falls to No. 21 James Madison in Sun Belt opener

UCF men’s soccer suffered a 2-0 defeat to No. 21 James Madison University on Saturday at the Sentara Park Athletic Stadium. There was a two-and-a-half hour delay before kick off due to inclement weather. The Knights first Sun Belt Conference matchup of the season didn't get underway until just before 10 p.m.