Wildcats Host Marshall in Sun Belt Opener

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Kentucky Wildcats men’s soccer team (0-3-2) is set to open its 2026 Sun Belt Conference slate on Friday night as they host the Marshall Thundering Herd (2-1-2) in the final match of the season’s second homestand at the Bell Soccer Complex.

Kentucky faces Marshall for the 43rd time in program history on Friday night. The Wildcats are seeking their first win of the 2026 season when the Thundering Herd visit Lexington. Kentucky currently sits at 0-3-2 following a pair of draws against Western Michigan and Evansville, and three defeats against Louisville, Virginia Tech and Ohio State.

Freshman forward Costa Iliadis scored his second goal of the season, which currently leads the team, in the Wildcats’ previous matchup against the third-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes last week. Iliadis also leads the Wildcats in assists (3), points (7), shots (15) and shots on goal (4).

Marshall enters match day six of the season coming off a 2-1 defeat against Utah Valley, dropping their overall record to 2-1-2. Previously ranked No. 20, the Thundering Herd dropped out of the United Soccer Coaches poll this week following their first loss of the season but are receiving the most votes among unranked teams.

Kickoff for Kentucky vs. Marshall is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET, streaming live on ESPN+.

The promotion for Friday night’s match is white out night at The Bell, encouraging all fans and students to wear white and show their support of the Wildcats. There will also be a T-shirt giveaway to all students in attendance, as well as a Big Blue Madness ticket giveaway to all fans.

Admission to all 2026 Kentucky Soccer regular season home matches is free to the public. For the latest on Kentucky Men’s Soccer, follow the Wildcats on X, Facebook and Instagram, and on the web at UKAthletics.com.