Oct. 12, 2003
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Kentucky Wildcats (7-4-1) suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to No. 3 North Carolina (10-1-2) in their second match of the adidas/Spartan Classic in Greensboro, N.C.
The Wildcats and Tar Heels played an even first half that ended tied 0-0. Sophomore goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum recorded three saves in the half.
Tim Merritt put Carolina on the board first when he scored in the 59th minute of the game from 10 yards out. Kentucky scored an equalizer off Olli Lehtimaki’s header in the 62nd minute. Junior Jamal Shteiwi picked up his ninth assist of the season on Lehtimaki’s goal.
The Tar Heels scored what proved to be the game-winner in the 75th minute when Ray Fumo scored on a penalty kick.
UK refused to back down after Fumo’s goal and pressured the Carolina defense several times thereafter. Lehtimaki netted what would have been his second goal of the game with five minutes remaining, but the officials called a foul on a Kentucky player and waived off the goal.
The gritty Cats threatened Carolina again late in the game when sophomore Adam Walker’s shot was cleared off the goal line by a UNC defender and freshman Riley O’Neill’s header narrowly missed with a minute and a half remaining.
Kentucky returns to action Friday, Oct. 17 at the UK Soccer Complex against Mid-American Conference foe, Western Michigan at 7:30 p.m.
