The University of Kentucky men’s soccer team beat defending MACchampion Bowling Green 2-1 Friday in a crucial Mid-American Conferencematch. It was UK’s first career victory over the Falcons, and it improves theWildcats to 3-0 in conference play.

UK forward Matt Wilkerson opened the scoring at the start of the secondhalf when he netted a goal off a Rick Dengelegi shot. Bowling Greenis RyanSchwaigert put in a volley just seven minutes later to tie the game. ButDengelegi scored on a one-on-one move at the 59:36 mark to put the Catsahead for good.

“Any conference win is huge,” UK head coach Ian Collins said. “It was anemotional game for us, and it could have gone either way. It was a veryhard-fought game for both teams.”

UK freshman goalkeeper Brian OiLeary shut down the Falcon offense in thesecond half, recording five saves.

With the win, Kentucky improves to 9-3-1, 3-0 in the MAC. Bowling Greenfalls to 7-5-0, 1-2.

UK returns to action on Sunday, Oct. 12, as they kick it off against MACfoe Eastern Michigan at 2 p.m. at the UK Soccer Complex.