The University of Kentucky men’s soccer team shutout No. 15 Furman, the nation’s top scoring team, with a 1-0 victory in the first round of the Florida International University Invitational on Friday, Oct. 26. This is the first win for the Cats over a ranked opponent this season, pushing its record in such games to 1-1-1.
In a tough match for both teams, the Cats (10-4-1) tallied the game-winner in the 39th minute for only the 16th goal surrendered by the Paladins (10-4-0) this season. Antti Peltonen served the ball to Chris Soler, who beat the defense, blasting the ball from 15 yards out to give UK the win. The score was Soler’s fifth goal of the year and Peltonen’s fourth assist, both good for second on the team.
“This is a tremendous win for us,” Coach Ian Collins said. “We came in with the utmost confidence and showed that on the field. It was tough for us, but we did what we needed to do to beat a very, very good team.”
Each team attacked relentlessly and garnered many chances. UK nearly struck first in the seventh minute when Nathan Fleetwood sent a shot at FU goalkeeper Scott Blount that went just left. The Paladins stormed back when Clint Dempsey had a one-on-one situation with Kentucky keeper Greg Raber, sending a floater toward the goal. Raber reacted quickly and was able to collect the save.
Raber’s four saves were all he needed to hold Furman scoreless, its first shutout of the season. With 47goals, FU leads the nation is scoring and had been held to less than three goals only three times coming into this match.
On the evening, UK and FU took 14 shots each with each goalkeeper making four saves, while Furman also needed two team saves to hold the Cats at one on the scoreboard. The Paladins held a slight 7-6 corner-kick advantage. Kentucky also was able to hold FU’s two top scorers, John Barry Nusum and Sergei Raad, to just four shots on the night.
Kentucky returns to action when they face host FIU in second-round action of the FIU Invite on Sunday, Oct. 26. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m.
12FUK101FU000
Attendance: 175
Scoring: Kentucky – Chris Soler (Antti Peltonen) 38:58, Furman – none
Shots: Kentucky 14, Furman 14
Corner Kicks: Kentucky 6, Furman 7
Goalkeeper Saves: Kentucky – Greg Raber 4, Furman – Scott Blount 4, Alex Maslow 0
