Sept. 20, 2001
Western Michigan Game Notes
Current Stats
The 25th-ranked University of Kentucky men’s soccer team travels to Western Michigan for its Mid-American Conference opener on Friday, Sept. 21. Action is slated to get underway at the WMU Soccer complex in Kalamazoo at 3 p.m.
UK (2-2-1) is coming off a disappointing 3-1 loss to Xavier Monday night and is looking to rebound for this important MAC match. The Wildcats and Broncos (1-2-0) have met nine times, with Kentucky holding an 8-1-0 series lead.
“This is a big game for us,” Coach Ian Collins said. “It is very important to get off to a good start in the MAC to help set the tone for the rest of the season.”
Ilkka Jantti helps lead the way for UK. Jantti’s four assists lead the team and the MAC, and he is tied with John Monebrake for first on the squad in points (six). Monebrake also is tops on the team and second in the league with three goals, including the game-tying goal against No. 13 Ohio State. In goal, Brad Samelko has played every minute for Kentucky collecting 15 saves and surrendering seven goals for a 1.25 goals-against average, which is ranked third in the MAC.
Four Broncos are tied for the team lead in goals with one and points with two. Leading the way is 2000 MAC Newcomer of the Year Reese Richardson who also leads the team with nine shots. In goal, Ian Spooner has given up 12 goals for a 4.00 GAA, while nabbing 17 saves. In their last two games, WMU has been outscored 10-1.
