Sept. 19, 2008
Lexington, Ky. – Led by Laura Novikoff’s first multi-goal game of her career, the UK women’s soccer team (1-5-1) put an end to their four-game losing streak, drawing a 2-2 tie with the Oakland Golden Grizzlies (1-5-2).
The 6-3 sophomore got the Wildcats on the board first, scoring her third goal of the season in the eighth minute. Nicola Holdsworth sent a chip at the goal that was deflected to Novikoff, who put away the loose ball for a 1-0 UK lead.
Oakland tied the score at 1-1 with three minutes left in the half off a free kick from Kristi Evans. UK’s Alicia Browning was whistled for a foul just outside the top of the 18-yard box resulting in the free kick.
Novikoff was at it again, giving the Wildcats a 2-1 lead with 5:40 left in the match, following up another rebound. Kate Hughes fired a shot off that was deflected by an Oakland defender towards Novikoff who sent a thundering shot passed Golden Grizzlie goalie Kim Herbst.
Oakland didn’t give in though, tying the game three minutes later off another Evans goal. Dani Halowyn fired a shot on goal that was deflected, but Evans was there for the scoop and shot to tie the game.
“Laura finished her opportunities tonight,” said UK head coach Warren Lipka. “Against Evansville, she had a chance late, but sent the ball high. Tonight though, she was able to finish. We just can’t seem to pull a complete game together. We create 34 shots tonight, the most since I can remember, but we give up two goals. Before we didn’t give up any goals, but we couldn’t score either. We’ve just got to put the two pieces together.”
Despite outshooting the Golden Grizzlies 8-4 in the two overtimes, UK was unable to connect on goal en route to the tie.
Paced by Novikoff’s seven shots, also a career high, Kentucky fired off a season high 34 shots, the most since recording 34 against Bellarmine on Sept. 6, 2005.
The Wildcats return to action Sunday against Cleveland State. Kickoff is scheduled for noon at the UK Soccer Complex. Fans will be treated to a two-for-on deal, as the UK men’s team takes on Alabama A&M immediately following the conclusion of the women’s game. Live stats for the match will be available at ukathletics.com.
