MEMPHIS, Tenn. — In the second preseason tune-up of the 2010 season, the Kentucky men’s soccer team posted a 1-0 win over tradition-rich Brazilian club Botofogo’s under-19 squad, in an international friendly played on Wednesday night at the Mike Rose Soccer Complex.
“It was great to play another game against a very skilled opponent,” UK head coach Ian Collins said. “It was good for our guys to play against a different type of team we don’t see in college soccer. It was a beneficial trip for our guys. We have a ton of work to do and we have some things we have to get better at. We are looking forward to getting ready for another game on Friday, which will give us a chance to gauge our progress.”
Kentucky sophomore forward Jacob Kemper scored in the 43rd minute on an assist from freshman Brad Doliner and junior Josh Albers. As a freshman in 2009, Kemper played in 10 games with one starting assignment.
The Wildcats had several chances throughout the game, as UK played 24 total players in the match. Freshman Ellis Vienne hit the post on a header attempt in the 70th minute. Vienne, a native of Cornelius, N.C., scored the game-winning goal of UK’s first preseason exhibition match on Monday at Dayton. In addition, the Botofogo goalkeeper made several great saves in the contest, including a Kemper shot in the 38th minute and a Tyler Riggs attempt in the 81st frame. Riggs, a native of Louisville, Ky., scored the first goal of the preseason for UK at Dayton.
UK played three goalkeepers in the game, with the Wildcats locked in a position battle to see who will replace four-year starter Dan Williams. Freshman Tyler Beadle got the start and played the first half, while freshman Kevin Corby and Joey Peglow split the second half.
On the backline, UK was led by defenders Dylan Asher and all-conference performer Brad Walker in limiting the chances on the Kentucky goalkeepers.
Kentucky will open its 2010 home schedule with the final exhibition game of the 2010 season, hosting Marquette at 1 p.m. ET on Friday at the UK Soccer Complex.
