Nov. 12, 1999

LEXINGTON, Kty. — The University of Kentucky men’s soccer team bested Northern Illinois 2-1on Friday at the UK Soccer Complex to claim the Mid-American Conferencetitle and advance to the NCAA Tournament.

Despite tying a school-record with 17 shots in the first half, theWildcats could not find the nets and the first period ended in a scorelesstie.

UK striker Jason Bell opened the scoring in the 68th minute when he blasteda shot past the NIU keeper off a J.D. Stephenson cross.

The Huskies would strike back less than six minutes later, however, asAlex D’Orsi headed in a Jason Ryder throw in at 72:57 to even the score at1-1.

Bell and the Cats would not be denied, though, as the senior’s five-yardshot gave UK a 2-1 lead at 83:10 on pass from Brent Rainey.

UK dominated statistically, holding a gaudy 25-5 shot advantage over theHuskies en route to its first-ever MAC crown and NCAA berth.

“It’s great to see all our hard work and effort pay off,” Bell said. “Thisis the greatest feeling in the world.”

“Our players worked so hard all season,” UK Coach Ian Collins said. “Theyare the happiest bunch of guys I’ve ever seen and they really deserve it.”

UK’s Bell, Giovanni Fernandes, Chris McAlpine and Brian O’Leary topped theMAC All-Tournament team and Collins praised their play.

“Jason always seems to find a way to get it done offensively,” Collinssaid. “Chris McAlpine really controlled the midfield and O’Leary came upbig all tournament. Giovanni’s play was simply brilliant.”

With the win, the Cats improve to 13-6-1, while NIU finishes its season at12-9.

UK will now wait until Monday night, when the NCAA announces pairings, tosee where it plays next weekend.

Mid-American Conference Championship

                    1   2   FNorthern Illinois   0   1   1Kentucky            0   2   2

Goals: UK – Jason Bell (J.D. Stephenson) 67:07, Bell (Brent Rainey) 83:10,NIU – Alex D’Orsi (Jason Ryder) 72:57

MAC All-Tournament Team

Giovanni Fernandes  KentuckyBrian O'Leary       KentuckyJason Bell          KentuckyChris McAlpine      KentuckyPeter Agrimson      Northern IllinoisKristoffer Nystedt  Northern IllinoisAlex D'Orsi         Northern IllinoisEric Pogue          Western MichiganRichard Keith       Western MichiganWayne Bennett       MarshallVivian Baku         Marshall