In a steady downpour, the University of Kentucky men’s soccer team needed just one goal to defeat Mercer, 1-0, in the first round of the NCAA Tourament. The win is the first in school history for UK in NCAA play, after tying Saint Louis in 2000, and sends the Cats to the second round to face fifth-seeded Clemson at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 25.

“This was a great effort by our guys in very tough conditions,” Coach Ian Collins said. “We came out did our best in the rain and pulled out the win.”

In a tight first half neither team could hold possession long on the waterlogged field, although both had a couple of excellent chances to score. However, the Cats (14-5-1) took control of the game just three minutes into the second half when Nathan Fleetwood sent a long ball past the defense to Scot Shewey. MU goalkeeper Andrew Castrochini came out of the goal to meet the ball but Shewey got around him for the game-winner and his first goal of the season. The assist was Fleetwood’s team-leading sixth of the season.

UK goalkeeper Greg Raber needed four saves to collect his seventh shutout and the team’s 10th win in the last 11 games. On the night, UK out shot the Bears (13-8-0) 8-7, while the teams were knotted at five in corner kicks.

The Cats will now face fifth-seeded Clemson in the round of 32 on Sunday at Riggs field on the Clemson.

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Attendance: 238
Scoring: Kentucky – Scot Shewey (Nathan Fleetwood) 48:03, Mercer – none
Shots: Kentucky 8, Mercer 7
Corner Kicks: Kentucky 5, Mercer 5
Goalkeeper Saves: Kentucky – Greg Raber 4, Mercer – Andrew Castrochini 2