LEXINGTON, Ky. — Fresh off a double-overtime win over the NCAA’s highest scoring offense, the Kentucky men’s soccer team will return to action Wednesday, hosting in-state rival No. 6 Louisville, with kickoff at the UK Soccer Complex slated for 7 p.m. ET.
Kentucky (3-4-1) is returning to its home stadium for the first time since Sept. 12 during the Wildcat Invitational. The Wildcats have played four consecutive games away from the UK Soccer Complex, including two non-conference tilts at Michigan and at Evansville.
A live blog of the contest will be available on UKathletics.com, featuring assistant director of new media, Eric Lindsey calling the action. Live stats will also be available through UKathletics.com.
UK leads the all-time series 9-4-4, dating back to the first meeting in 1991. The Cardinals have now won two consecutive games in the series, with UK last tying UL in 2006 in the Derby City. UK’s last win over the Cards came in 2005, a 1-0 result in Lexington. In games played in Lexington, UK leads the series 4-3-2.
Last time out vs. Louisville, UK suffered a 1-0 loss in 2009. Louisville’s Phil Edginton scored on a free kick in the 37th minute for the difference. Both teams registered 10 shots each, with UL charting four corner kicks to UK’s two. In a physical contest, the two teams played in front of 1,134 fans on a chilly night in Louisville, with all of the lights in the stadium twice going out during the game, adding to an exciting atmosphere.
On Sunday, UK posted a thrilling 2-1 win over Evansville, as the Wildcats snapped a four match losing streak with a double-overtime win over UE. The game was UK’s third consecutive overtime game and the fifth overtime contest in the last six games for the Wildcats. With one more overtime game, UK will equal the school record of four consecutive extra-period games, set in 2005.
The win over Evansville gave the Wildcats a win over the Purple Aces, with UE entering the game leading the NCAA with 19 goals scored in its first seven games. UK got an early goal from freshman Ellis Vienne – his second consecutive game with a goal – and Evansville evened up the game late with a game-tying goal. UK junior college transfer Sam Brooks, a native of Solihull, England, netted the golden goal in the 107th minute to lift UK to the win.
The Wildcats have been playing with a young but talented roster throughout the season, including starting as many as seven or eight first-year players in the starting 11. On Sunday vs. Evansville, UK stated six freshmen and played a total of 19 players, 12 of which are in their first season at Kentucky. All told Kentucky has had 58-percent of its minutes played in 2010 by first-year players.
UK will have a bevy of promotional activities for the game, including UK Student Night, where UK students will receive free shuttle rides to and from the game, and free Papa John’s pizza, while supplies last. In addition, fans can visit UKathletics.com for Website Wednesday to print a special coupon, and fans can receive free admission with a ticket stub or pass from the World Equestrian Games. UK’s dance team will perform at halftime and the game will also serve as Chick-fil-A Junior Wildcat Club Night.
Louisville (5-0-2) enters the game ranked sixth in the nation and unbeaten in its first seven games of the season. The Cardinals are ranked sixth in the NCAA in goals-against average, posting a 0.40 mark. UL has notched wins over N.C. State, Fordham, Appalachian State, Missouri State and Providence College. The lone draws for UL came at No. 11 Duke in the season opener and vs. No. 23 Ohio State on Sept. 22.
The Cardinals have been led by Dylan Mares, who has three goals and an assist to lead UL in scoring. Colin Rolfe has added two goals and two assists, leading the team with 22 shots taken. Kenney Walker and Brock Granger lead the team with three assists each. In goal, Andre Boudreaux has allowed only three goals in seven games, saving 11 shots and charting four clean sheets.
GAME CENTER
Records
Kentucky – 3-4-1, 0-0 C-USA
Louisville – 5-0-2, 1-0 Big East
Rankings
Kentucky
• Not ranked
Louisville
• No. 6 (College Soccer News)
• No. 8 (NSCAA)
• No. 9 (Soccer Times)
Schedule (times Eastern and subject to change) — Lexington, Ky.
Wednesday, Sept. 29 * 7 p.m.
Internet Coverage
Live stats on UKathletics.com;
Live blog from UK Soccer Complex press box on UKathletics.com
Stadium
UK Soccer Complex (1,500)
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