ASHEVILLE, N.C. The University of Kentucky mens soccer team defeated UNC Asheville, 3-0, on Monday, Sept. 4, to stayperfect in the young season.
The Cats (2-0-0) first got on the board when Brook Pearse got the ball from UNCA (0-2-0) in the back and gave it to an openChris McDaniel. McDaniel was uncovered and knocked in the cross pass from 10 yards out to give UK the 1-0 lead in the 23rdminute.
That was all UK would need to take the win, but the Cats got insurance goals from Chris McAlpine on a penalty kick at 50:10and from Chris Soler off a J.D. Stephenson pass at 75:54. Each goal was a career first for both McAlpine and Soler.
Kentucky dominated offensively, outshooting the Bulldogs 13-8, while getting eight corner kicks.
UK goalkeeper Brian OLeary needed only two saves to get his first shutout of the season and the 14th of his career.
With their second consecutive shutout of the Bulldogs, the Cats now lead the all-time series 5-0-0.
Also on Monday, the National Soccer Coaches Association of America released the first regional rankings of the season. UKwas ranked No. 5 with Mid-American Conference foe Akron holding the top spot after going 1-0-1 this weekend. Finishing out thetop five are Indiana (0-2-0), Marquette (1-0-0) and Notre Dame (1-0-1).
The Cats now prepare for a two-game home stand that gets under way Friday, Sept. 8, at 8 p.m. EDT against the VanderbiltCommodores at the UK Soccer Complex.
AGATEMens College SoccerAsheville, N.C. Attendance 350 1 2 FUNC Asheville 0 0 0Kentucky 1 2 3Goals: UK Chris McDaniel (Brook Pearse) 22:10 Chris McAlpine (penalty kick) Chris Soler (J.D. Stephenson) 75:54UNC Asheville noneShots: UK 13; UNC Asheville - 8 Goalkeeper Saves: UK Brian OLeary 2; UNC Asheville Andrew Heath 4Corner Kicks: UK 8; UNC Asheville 5
