Oct. 28, 2008

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Sophomore C.J. Tappel, a Lexington, Ky., native, has been named to the Soccer America National Team of the Week, it was announced on Tuesday morning.

Tappel netted two game-tying goals during Kentucky’s 2-0 week, helping lead the Wildcats to their fourth consecutive win with dramatic comebacks over UCF and FIU. Tappel, a graduate of Lexington Catholic High School, netted his first goal of the year in the 71st minute of a win over UCF. The Wildcats trailed 1-0 until Tappel evened up the game, setting up a game-winner eight minutes later. In the Wildcats two-overtime win over FIU, UK was trailing 2-1 in the 64th minute when Tappel tied up the game, hooking up with Masumi Turnbull on the equalizer, sending the match to overtime.

Playing in just 81 minutes in the two games, Tappel – a 2007 Conference USA All-Freshman team member – tallied four points. In 2008, Tappel has totaled two goals and two assists.

On Monday, Tappel was honored with his first career C-USA Offensive Player of the Week honor, the league-high fifth Wildcat player awarded a conference weekly honor.

Kentucky (9-4-2, 5-1 C-USA) returns to action on Wednesday, facing No. 18 Indiana in its last non-conference game of the year. Game time is slated for 7:30 p.m. in Bloomington, Ind.