“I’m very excited to have signed this new contract extension,” Cunningham said. “I look forward to another three years here at UCF and hopefully beyond. I’m thankful to Mr. Tribble and President Hitt for their support of my vision for this program in the future as we continue to grow and develop into a team that will consistently challenge on a national level each year.”
Cunningham just finished his fourth season with UCF, helping lead them to arguably their best campaign in program history. The 2010 Knights finished 12-5-3 and 4-1-3 in Conference USA play to lock up the No. 2 seed in the conference tourney, the highest finish since joining the league in 2005. UCF also posted the most home wins by any team in the state as it was 8-1 at the UCF Soccer and Track Stadium.
The Knights defeated USF, 3-0, at home in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament before narrowly falling to eventual College Cup semifinalist Michigan, 2-1, in overtime in the second round in Ann Arbor. Cunningham also led his team to its highest national ranking ever as it reached No. 18 in the polls midway through the season.
“Bryan and his staff continue to elevate our men’s soccer team to national prominence,” Tribble said. “I am pleased that he will continue to guide the program to be successful on the field and in the classroom, while also making an impact in the community.”
Cunningham and the Knights will get the 2011 season underway in late August on the road against Jacksonville.