LEXINGTON, Ky. — In the final preseason exhibition game of the 2010 season, the Kentucky men’s soccer team got two goals from senior Drew Midkiff, as UK and Marquette played to a 2-2 draw, on a gorgeous Friday afternoon at the UK Soccer Complex.
A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Midkiff had a breakout offensive game in the final exhibition game of the season. Midkiff, a defensive midfielder, scored in the 48th minute to even the game and again in the 58th minute to give UK a 2-1 lead. As a junior, in his first year with the program last year, Midkiff played in 16 games, adding one assist. On both of Midkiff’s goals on Friday, Pierre Manga assisted.
“It was good to get out and compete against another solid opponent,” UK head coach Ian Collins said. “We had another good opportunity to play lots of guys and give them good experience. We played around 27-28 players, including all four of our keepers, so it was a good chance for them to get on the field. We have lots to work on before we open the season, so we will use this last week as a learning experience and get ready for next Friday.”
Marquette got a goal from Charlie Hoover in the 35th minute to open the scoring and Calum Mallace’s free-kick goal in the 90th minute evened the game. Both coaching staffs agreed to play an additional 20 minutes after the regulation 90 frames, emptying the bench for the modified extra-time period.
UK had several chances throughout the game but one of the most impressive threats was in the sixth minute. Freshman Tyler Riggs, a native of Louisville, Ky., got the starting assignment at forward and he immediately began brewing some offense, firing a shot inside the box that required a diving save from Marquette’s keeper.
The Wildcats totaled 11 shots and registered five corner kicks, with UK’s goalkeepers making three total saves. Tyler Beadle got the start and saved two shots, logging 61 minutes.
Kentucky will open its regular-season on Sept. 3, hosting the annual University of Kentucky Invitational. The tournament will open with a matchup at 5 p.m. ET between IUPUI and UNC Asheville, before UK hosts Eastern Illinois at 7:30 p.m. ET in the regular-season opener.
Marquette struck first in the 35th minute, as Anthony Colaizzi lifted a cross from just at the top of the 18-yard box into the back corner of the six-yard box, where Charlie Hoover headed it into the goal for the first score of the contest.
