Oct. 18, 2003

LEXINGTON, Ky. – UK (8-4-1, 2-0-0 MAC) and Akron (10-3-1, 5-0-0 MAC) were voted as the top-two teams in the Mid-American Conference in a preseason coaches poll and thus far they have not disappointed. The Wildcats and Zips are both undefeated in conference play heading into their Sunday 2:30 p.m. showdown at the UK Soccer Complex.

“Akron is a very good team with a lot of experience,” head coach Ian Collins said. “We have to come out focused, disciplined and ready to battle. This is usually a barn-burner of a game and I don’t think it will be any different this year.”

The Wildcats are led by junior Jamal Shteiwi, who set a Kentucky single-season assist record when he picked up his 10th assist of the season, Friday, in the Cats’ 3-0 victory over Western Michigan. Shteiwi’s 14 career assists ties him with Sean Endicott (1995-96) and Sean Mondelli (1995-97) for the second most in Kentucky history.

Kentucky has outscored its opponents 22-11 on the season and sophomore goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum has recorded 44 saves to go along with five shutouts in 12 games.

The Zips edged Northern Illinois, 1-0, in their last outing and junior goalkeeper Justin Christafaris has nine shutouts in 14 games this season.

UK and Akron are ranked 10th and fifth, respectively, in the latest NSCAA Great Lakes Region poll.