Aug. 31, 2001
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – The 23rd-ranked Kentucky men’s soccer team toppled Butler, 2-1, at the adidas/IU Credit Union Classic on Friday, Aug. 31. It was the season opener for both teams.
The Cats (1-0-0) attacked from the opening kick and had a number of chances to score early on. At the 35:43 mark Chris Soler, who had just entered the game, gave UK the 1-0 lead when he received the ball behind the defense and beat Bulldog goalkeeper Grant Barrie one-on-one.
In the 60th minute, Ilkka Jantti put UK up 2-0 by taking a Brian Mitts corner kick and blasting it past Barrie for what turned out to be the game-winner.
Just 13 minutes later, Butler (0-1-0) got back into the game when the Cats were called for a foul in the penalty box. Michael Mariscalco set up for the penalty kick and beat UK keeper Brad Samelko to pull the Bulldogs within one, 2-1. However, the UK defense strengthened and its offense continued to attack to give the Cats the victory.
“This was a great way to start the season,” Coach Ian Collins said. “We attacked much of the game and had a number of chances to score. We now have to take this game and build on it when we face No. 4 Indiana tomorrow night.”
On the night, UK outshot the Bulldogs 10-5 and took seven corner kicks to Butler’s one. Samelko collected one save, while Barrie made three.
The Cats return to the field on Saturday, Sept. 1, when they face IU in the final match of the IU Classic. Action gets underway at 8:30 EST at Bill Armstrong Stadium on the IU campus.
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Scoring: Kentucky – Chris Soler (unassisted) 35:43, Ilkka Jantti (Brian Mitts) 59:33, Butler – Michael Mariscalco (penalty kick) 72:29.
Shots: Kentucky 10, Butler 5
Corner Kicks: Kentucky 7, Butler 1
Goalkeeper Saves: Kentucky – Brad Samelko 1, Bulter – Grant Barrie – 3
