MADISON, WI ?The Kentucky women?s soccer team (5-2-1) posted its first tie of the season as they were unable to mount a consistent enough offensive attack in tying the Wisconsin-Milwaukee Panthers (5-2-1) 0-0.
The Panthers wasted no time challenging the Wildcat defense. In the fourth minute, UWM took a corner that was headed by Taylor Powell but Betsy Holbrook was there on the goal line to knock the ball away and preserve the 0-0 affair.
UK was unable to mount any offense in the first half, despite gaining two corner kicks. UWM finished the first frame out shooting the Cats 5-0. It marked the first time this season Kentucky was unable to muster a shot in a half.
UK mounted more of an offense in the second half, while limiting Wisconsin-Milwaukee?s chances, out shooting the Panthers 3-2 in the second half.
Kentucky threatened immediately in the second half earning a corner kick that was taken by Kover two minutes into the half. She sent the ball mid-way into the 18-yard box where Giuleana Lopez got a solid head on the ball but pushed it wide left.
The Wildcats had another opportunity in the 83rd minute when Sarah Gaunt deflected a Megan Jones cross but Panther goalie Erin Kane was there for the save.
UK had another opportunity to get on the board three minutes later when Lopez fired a shot from 20 yards out, but Kane was there for the save.
?I thought we played much better in the second half,? said head coach Warren Lipka. ?In the first half we were chasing the ball too much and playing too loose. We had a couple better chances in the second, but we were playing an extremely quality team. We just have to keep fighting.?
The tie for the Cats was the first of the season after an NCAA record tying seven last year. It was senior goalie Anne Ogundele?s fourth consecutive shutout. She has now recorded 380:00 consecutive scoreless minutes. She is also now in sole possession of third place in Kentucky?s all-time shutout list with 11 and her career 1.15 goals-against-average moves her into second on UK?s all-time GAA list.
The Wildcats will close out weekend action on Sunday when they take on host school Wisconsin. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. ET.
