In the 96th minute, Ryan Alexander got behind the Kentucky defense found the back of the net with a header to help No. 28 Michigan escape with a 1-0 win on Sunday afternoon at the Varsity Soccer Field.
The loss drops UK to 3-2-1 on the year while the Wolverines improve to 5-1. It is the second straight year Michigan has beaten the Wildcats in overtime by a 1-0 score.
Fireworks flew early in the second half as UK had a player and two coaches ejected in the 54th minute. First, Alex McDonald (Swansea, Ill./Bellview East) was sent off for a rough tackle. Less than a minute later, head coach Ian Collins picked up his second yellow of the game for arguing the call. Assistant Matt Wilkerson was then awarded a red as well.
It was the first time since the 2003 NCAA Tournament Kentucky has had a player sent off for a red card. In that game, the Wildcats fell in the second overtime to eventual national champion Indiana.
Despite playing a man down, the Wildcats produced numerous chances for the remainder of regulation. In the 64th minute, Michael Strong (San Antonio, Texas/Alamo Heights) streaked through the Wolverine defense to create a breakaway. However, one of his touches was just strong enough to allow goalkeeper Ryan Bennett to come out and make a play on the ball.
Six minutes later, junior Riley O’Neill (Campbell River, British Columbia/Tiberline) fired a shot from the left side of the box that sailed just wide of the far post.
Meanwhile, the Kentucky defense kept Michigan in check despite being down a man. The Wolverines could not crack through the back four until the overtime period. The first overtime chance went to the Wolverines three minutes in. Steve Bonnell headed a service from the right flank just wide from point-blank range. Two minutes later, Alexander scored the winner.
Masumi Turnbull (Richmond, British Columbia/McMath) had the best chance to net a goal in regulation. The freshman played the ball at the top of the box, turned and fired a shot past Bennett. However, defender Michael Holody cleared the ball off the line to prevent the goal.
Michigan’s top opportunity in the first half was thwarted on a tremendous diving save by Andy Gruenebaum (Overland Park, Kan./Blue Valley North). It was one of five saves for the preseason All-American on the day.
The Wildcats played most of the game without starting forward Michael D’Agostino (Langley, British Columbia/Langley), who suffered a concussion while trying to win a ball in the air in the third minute.
Kentucky returns to action on Friday, Sept. 23 at 5 p.m. when it hosts Western Michigan. The game is part of a doubleheader with the women’s team opening its SEC schedule against LSU at 7:30 p.m.
