ORLANDO, Fla. (Men’s Soccer) – The Florida Tech men’s soccer team traveled to Orlando for its first warm-up competition against Division I Central Florida on Sunday. The Knights, wrapping up their preseason, scored five first-half goals and added one in the second before lightning ended the game in the 72nd minute, giving UCF a 6-1 victory.

“Today was an opportunity to play a strong side to see where our squad was after the first week of preseason,” head coach Robin Chan said. “It was a great learning opportunity for us at the right time of the season. We found out a lot about ourselves collectively as a team and individually, and we will work harder and look to get better.”

The Division I club, coming off what is arguably its best season in program history, advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament in 2011 and is returning seven of its 11 starters. The Knights opened up the scoring in the third minute of play. Deshorn Brown crossed a ball that found the foot of Omar Vallejo and then the back of the net.

UCF finished the first half with four more goals to take a 5-0 halftime lead.

Sophomore Drake Hillman put the Panthers on the board just three minutes into the second session. Hillman struck the ball from 20 yards out, beating the Knight goalkeeper to the left side.

The Knights found one more goal in the 72nd minute to extend their lead to 6-1 before lightning put a halt to the game. After a 30-minute delay, the game was called.

Florida Tech opens the 2012 season on Friday, Aug. 31 when it travels to St. Thomas. The Panthers and Bobcats square off at 4 p.m.