The University of Kentucky women?s soccer team defeated Louisville tonight, Aug. 18, by a score of 2-0 in its lone exhibition contest of the season at Cardinal Park.

The first half belonged to Kentucky as they controlled the ball for the majority of the first 45 minutes. The Wildcats attempted seven shots on goal before UofL was able to take their first, a 38:17 span to begin the game. UK ended the half with 11 shots to the Cardinals? two. Unfortunately, none of the shots found the back of the net as the score remained tied at 0-0 at the end of the half.

Freshman Rachel Ulrich scored the first goal of the game in the 71st minute after a Nicola Holdsworth shot went off the crossbar. Holdsworth was credited with the assist. Junior transfer Betsy Holbrook continued the scoring in the 73rd minute. Holbrook received a cross from Courtney McCrudden 18 yards out on the right side and launched a shot from a sharp angle, narrowly squeezing the ball between the Cardinal goalie and the post to put the Cats on top 2-0.

The pair of goals came on back-to-back shots on goal. They were the only shots on goal for the Cats in the second half.

?It?s always exciting to get a win. The girls worked very hard tonight and they earned the victory,? said head coach Warren Lipka. ?We?ll continue to get better each time we step on the field. We saw a lot of freshmen and they played well. Kristin Moyer controlled the back and Anne Ogundele was great in the goal for us tonight. We?re not game-fit yet, but that?s to be expected at this point of the preseason. Overall, I was really pleased with the way we played tonight.?

UK will kick off the regular season on Friday, Aug. 26, when it plays host to Michigan State. Game time is set for 7 p.m. at the UK Soccer Complex.