LEXINGTON, Ky. — The UK mens soccer team held the Bradley Braves scoreless, 3-0, in its first match ofthe University of Kentucky Invitational Tournament.
Senior Brien Baltzell scored the Cat’s first goal on a penalty kick after Bradley committed a foul inside the goaliebox at 13:08. Sophomore forward Chris Villamil then scored two more goals for UK in the first half. Villamil20-yard shot found the net 39 minutes into the game. He scored again three minutes later off assists from JasonBell and Bryan DePriest.
Head coach Ian Collins said he was pleased with his team’s tenacity. We’ve really concentrated on two things inpractice this week, our work rate and our mental toughness, Collins said. Those two things were unbelievabletoday.
Villamil said the team’s focus on offense paid off. Scoring is what we’ve been concentrating on, he said. I gotsome opportunities around the goal and I was able to follow through.
Collins said Villamil two goals were a key to his team’s win. Chris is maturing and making better decisions, hesaid. He was in the right place at the right time, and I can’t ask for any better than that.
In the first match of today’s double-header, forward Colin Knott scored two goals for Cleveland State as theyshut out UNC-Asheville 4-0. The Vikings now have a 2-0-1 record.
The UKIT, sponsored by Nike, concludes tomorrow. UNC-Asheville and Bradley square off at noon. UK willface Cleveland State at 2:30. Fans will be admitted to the game for only $1 admission if they are wearing Nikeapparel.
Collins said Cleveland State’s size would be a concern for the Wildcats. They are a lot bigger than we are, hesaid. But one thing we have over them is our quickness. If we prepare and execute well, we’ll have a good game.
Kentucky vs. Bradley
1 2 FKentucky 3 0 0Bradley 0 0 0
Goals: UKoBaltzell (penalty kick), 13:08; Villamil (unassisted), 38:59; Villamil (DePriest, Bell assist), 41:08.Shots: UKo13, Bradley 7.Corner Kicks: UKo7, Bradley 3.Goalkeeper Saves: UKo4, Bradley 2.Fouls: UKo12, Bradley 9.
