Kentucky Outlasts Georgia Southern 1-0 on Senior Night
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Kentucky Wildcats (2-9-4, 2-4-2 SBC) closed out their home slate for the 2026 season tonight with a 1-0 shutout win over the Georgia Southern Eagles (6-5-4, 2-4-2 SBC) at the Bell Soccer Complex.
With the win tonight, the Wildcats move into seventh place in the Sun Belt Conference with eight points entering the regular season finale.
In the early going of the match, neither side were able to create much production on the offensive end, until UK freshman midfielder Ari Saliu opened the game’s scoring with a goal in the 27th minute, coming off an unforced error from the Eagles and an assist from Bains Smith. That goal would feature as the lone shot on goal in the opening 45 minutes, as the Wildcats would maintain their one goal advantage heading into the halftime break.
Just under 20 minutes into the second half, Kentucky created their goal scoring opportunity of the match with a through ball sent to Smith inside the 18-yard box, but Georgia Southern keeper Luca Maxim was equal to the attempt. Forward Costa Iliadis was in position for a follow-up attempt but was unable to convert.
Two minutes later, Iliadis would have another look at goal from nearly the same position, this time forcing Maxim into his second save of the night to keep the freshman forward from doubling the home side’s lead.
The final 20 minutes of the match would become more of a physical, defensive battle, but the Wildcats were able to see out a win in front of the home crowd and secure a much needed three points.
Despite the nearly even split in the possession department (53%-47%), Kentucky outshot Georgia Southern 15-5, including a 4-1 advantage in shots on goal.
Wildcat goalkeeper Benjamin Rasmussen, while only required to make one save tonight, and the UK defense recorded their second clean sheet of the season, as well as their second in as many games.
The Wildcats will close out the regular season next week in Atlanta, Ga. against the Georgia State Panthers on Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. ET.
For the latest on Kentucky Men’s Soccer, follow the Wildcats on X, Facebook and Instagram, and on the web at UKAthletics.com.
