Sept. 15, 2003
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LEXINGTON, Ky. — After experiencing two rain postponements, the Kentucky Wildcats (3-0-0) and Louisville Cardinals (3-2-0) men’s soccer programs finally will step on the field Tuesday at the UK Soccer Complex at 7:30 p.m. The game was originally scheduled for Sept. 2 but three consecutive days of rain postponed the game twice.
The Wildcats and Cardinals are set for a game of contrasting styles. UK relies on a stingy defensive unit, anchored by senior back Chris Austin and sophomore goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum, which has not relinquished a goal in three games thus far. Meanwhile, Louisville has scored 12 goals in its first five games, including a five-goal flurry in its season opener against Belmont.
Something has to give.
“I think Louisville is a terrific attacking team with lots of flair and creative individual players. They like to play a free-flowing style of soccer that encourages all of their players to join the attack,” UK Coach Ian Collins said. “We have always placed great emphasis on being a strong defensive team. All of our successful teams in the past have been built around defending. With that in place, we love to also play free-flowing soccer that tries to please the fans.”
The Cats, who are ranked No. 7 in the NSCAA Great Lakes region, are coming off a 1-0 decision over Western Kentucky Sunday afternoon. Junior All-American Jamal Shteiwi scored the game’s lone goal in the 57th minute of play. Louisville fell to the Dayton Flyers, 2-1, in the finals of the Musselman Hotels Classic Sunday afternoon in Cardinal Park.
The men’s soccer rivalry that UK and UofL have established is much like the football and basketball rivalries between the two schools – intense. All but one of the previous 11 games between the schools have been decided by one or fewer goals. Kentucky leads the series (6-2-3) and won last season’s game, 1-0, at Cardinal Park in front of nearly 1,800 fans.
“UK-Louisville is one of the best rivalries in college athletics,” Collins said. “I have great respect for Tony Colavecchia, the U of L coach, and the quality of their program. Soccer is a very physical game and contact is very much a part of the game. I think the games have always been played with passion and enthusiasm, but they’ve also been played fairly.”
The first 1,000 fans will receive “Go Big Blue” thunderstix. The first 200 Kentucky students can enjoy a pregame “Cardinal Roast” complete with free food and Pepsi as well as free “Go Big Blue Soccer” t-shirts.
