MIAMI — Junior Brad Frederick delivered the game-winning goal in the 61st minute, as the Kentucky men?s soccer team edged Florida International, 2-1 on Saturday evening at University Park.
Kentucky (6-7-2, 4-2 Conference USA), winners of its last three games and five of its last seven, came into the game fresh off conference wins over Central Florida and eight-win Marshall. The win gives UK a crucial four in conference play with just two C-USA games left. Eight teams of the nine total conference members are invited to the C-USA tournament, held in Birmingham, Nov. 14-18. Kentucky ended Saturday?s action in second place with 12 points, seven points behind first place and No. 2 SMU (6-0-1 C-USA) and one point in front of No. 7 Tulsa (3-0-2 C-USA). After Saturday’s conference games, UK’s 12 points will be good enough to clinch a spot in the C-USA Tournament.
Kentucky got on the board in the 12th minute, as freshman C.J. Tappel, a native of Lexington, Ky., connected on a header off a Masumi Turnbull free kick. The goal was Tappel?s first of his career and the assist marked Turnbull?s team-high sixth of the season.
The Wildcats lost the statistical battle, registering just six shots and one corner kick to FIU?s 16 shots and nine corners. UK keeper Dan Williams continues to be a force in between the pipes, saving nine shots. FIU keeper Matias Wilson registered three saves, all in the second half.
Florida International (2-10, 2-4 C-USA) got on the board in the 32nd minute, evening things up before the half. Juan Guerra netted his team-best fifth goal of the season, dribbling into the box, beating the defender, and firing a shot into the high right corner of the net from the left side of the box.
Frederick, a native of Jefferson, Ind., fired a shot from just outside the midfield box in the 61st minute, striking a FIU player and ricocheting into the goal. The goal was Frederick?s first of the season and the third of his career.
UK now leads the all-time series 2-1-1, having won the past two meetings between the schools.
Kentucky returns to action on Wednesday, as it plays host to the rival No. 7 Indiana. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. EDT.
Saturday?s C-USA Scores
Kentucky 2, FIU 1
SMU 1, Memphis 0
UAB 2, UCF 1
S. Carolina 3, Marshall 1
