November 6, 1998

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of Kentucky men’s soccer team won a nail-biter on Friday, topping Eastern Michigan 1-0 in Mid-American Conference Tournament action at the UK Soccer Complex.

The Cats dominated the Eagles, holding a 17-4 shot advantage, but were locked in a scoreless tie with EMU (8-12-1) until the 83rd minute, when UK’s Lee Baker nailed a penalty kick to give the Cats a 1-0 win.

With the win, UK improves to 12-8 on the year and advances to face Bowling Green on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. in a MAC semifinal showdown.

Bowling Green (9-7-2) advanced to the semifinals by virtue of a 2-0 win over Marshall (11-9-1). BG’s Bobby Biggs netted goals in the 55th and 82nd minute to give the Falcons the victory.

In the tournament’s opening game, Akron (15-2-1) exploded for five second-half goals to blast Western Michigan (4-15-2) 5-0. Christer Larsen and Tim Cooper netted two goals a piece, while rjan Bjnes added another. Akron advances to face Buffalo (13-7) in Sunday’s noon semifinal.

Buffalo reached the semifinal after scoring an upset win over Northern Illinois (12-4-1). Steve Butcher’s goal in the 106th minute gave the Bulls the 1-0 overtime win.

Semifinal play will be at noon and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, with all games to be played at the UK Soccer Complex.