Wildcats advance to NCAAs with 2-1 win over Northern Illinois.
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 12, 1999) — The University ofKentucky men’s soccer team bested NorthernIllinois 2-1 on Friday at the UK Soccer Complex toclaim the Mid-American Conference title andadvance to the NCAA Tournament.
Despite tying a school-record with 17 shots in thefirst half, the Wildcats could not find the nets andthe first period ended in a scoreless tie.
UK striker Jason Bell opened the scoring in the68th minute when he blasted a shot past the NIUkeeper off a J.D. Stephenson cross.
The Huskies would strike back less than six minuteslater, however, as Alex D’Orsi headed in a JasonRyder throw in at 72:57 to even the score at 1-1.
Bell and the Cats would not be denied, though, asthe senior’s five-yard shot gave UK a 2-1 lead at83:10 on pass from Brent Rainey.
UK dominated statistically, holding a gaudy 25-5shot advantage over the Huskies en route to itsfirst-ever MAC crown and NCAA berth.
“It’s great to see all our hard work and effort payoff,” Bell said. “This is the greatest feeling in theworld.”
“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 toppedthe MAC All-Tournament team and Collins praised their play.
“Jason always seems to find a way to get it done offensively,” Collins said.”Chris McAlpine really controlled the midfield and O’Leary came up big alltournament. 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,to see where it plays next weekend.
Mid-American Conference Championship 1 2 FNorthern Illinois 0 1 1Kentucky 0 2 2Goals: UK - Jason Bell (J.D. Stephenson) 67:07, Bell (Brent Rainey)83:10; NIU - Alex D'Orsi (Jason Ryder) 72:57 MAC All-Tournament TeamGiovanni 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
