BOWLING GREEN, Ohio –After dropping its last two games scoring no goals, the University of Kentucky men’s soccer team found the back of the net three times to defeat Mid-American Conference-rival Bowling Green, 3-1, on Friday, Oct. 5, in Bowling Green, Ohio.
“We dominated the game in all aspects,” Coach Ian Collins said. “Defensively, we played great, especially in these tough conditions. A lot of people have been counting us out, but this team showed today that it is ready to fight back and play to its true potential.”
After a scoreless first half in a cold rain, the Cats (5-4-1, 3-0-0 MAC) took the lead on an Ilkka Jantti header off a Nathan Fleetwood corner kick at the 59:05 mark. It was the first score of the season for UK off a corner kick chance.
Despite Kentucky keeping possession of the ball on their offensive half of the field most of the game, the Falcons (3-3-1, 1-2-0 MAC) tied the game in the 78th minute. UK was called for a handball just outside the penalty box, and BG took advantage. Detrick Matthews took the free kick and Matt Leardini put it past Greg Raber to knot the game at one.
However, the Cats would not lie down. John Monebrake shielded the BG defender and took a Raber kick one-on-one with Falcon goalkeeper David DeGraff putting in a blast from 15 yards out at the 81:24 mark. The assist by Raber is the first by a goalkeeper in UK history. Just three minutes later, Monebrake added the insurance goal. It was his second two-goal game of the year, giving him five goals on the season.
On the day, UK outshot the Falcons 18-3 and held a commanding 13-1 corner-kick advantage. In just his first game of the year, Raber needed no saves to collect the win.
Kentucky returns to action when it travels to Indianapolis, Ind., to face the IUPUI Jaguars on Sunday, Oct. 7. Kick off is set for 3 p.m.
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Attendance: 65
Scoring: Kentucky – Ilkka Jantti (Nathan Fleetwood) 59:05, John Monebrake (Greg Raber) 81:24, John Monebrake (unassisted) 84:31, Bowling Green – Matt Leardini (Detrick Matthews) 77:11.
Shots: Kentucky 18, Bowling Green 3
Corner Kicks: Kentucky 13, Bowling Green 1
Goalkeeper Saves: Kentucky – Greg Raber 0, Bowling Green – David DeGraff 5
