The University of Kentucky mens soccer team heads to Louisville for its first regularseason contest on Friday, Sept. 1, at 7:30 p.m. at the new Cardinal Park Soccer Stadium.
Although most eyes in the Commonwealth will be looking forward to the football match upbetween UK and U of L on Saturday, the soccer version of this intrastate rivalry could providejust as much excitement as the Cats look to claim the programs 100th victory.
These teams have squared off eight times since UK gained varsity status in 1991, with UKholding a commanding advantage, 4-1-3. However, the lone loss came last season as the Cardsupset the host Wildcats, 2-0.
“This should be Louisvilles year,” said head coach Ian Collins. “They return all their starters sothey have great experience. They are just well organized and well coached. With the opening ofa new stadium, this game will be a challenge for us.”The Cats are coming off a three-game, undefeated exhibition run of shutouts over Dayton,Wright State, and Michigan State, while the Cards will be taking the field against actualcompetition for the first time. With a 2-0-1 record in the preseason, UK has held tough ondefense. Goalkeeper Brian OLeary has needed only 10 saves against 25 shots to keep theopponents scoreless. Ilkka Jantti, Giovanni Fernandes, and Marc Theriault have scored goalsfor the Cats, while freshmen Logan LeCompte and Savvas Theofilou, along with sophomoreBrian Mitts, have contributed assists.
“Although we went undefeated in our exhibitions, there is no question, after losing our threestarting defenders and top two scorers (from 1999), were the underdog,” Collins said. “We aregoing to go there and compete as hard as we can. Our best soccer will come later in theseason.”
One interesting aspect to this UK squad is the Louisville flavor the roster bears. Six playersare from Louisville and the surrounding area, and assistant Mike Keeney is in his first year withthe Cats after serving as assistant for the Cards the past two seasons.
Senior Greg Bironas (Louisville Trinity) has entered the starting lineup after playing three seasonsat Rhode Island, while senior Tyler Cook (Goshen, Ky.) also gets a starting nod. Senior BrentRainey (Louisville Ballard) and freshman Kevin Strobo (Louisville DuPont Manual) should alsosee action this season. Rounding out the Louisville area contingent are freshman Scott DeGaris(Louisville Trinity) and junior Randy Strobo (Louisville DuPont Manual), a transfer from U of L.
