The University of Kentucky men’s soccer team opens play in its third straight NCAA Tournament when it faces Mercer in the first round on Friday, Nov. 23 in Clemson, S.C. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Riggs Field on the campus of Clemson University.
“This is going to be a tough game,” Coach Ian Collins said. “From this point, it’s win or go home. Everybody is going to be tough. We are going to go out there and play our best to get the result we want, and that is to win and play Clemson on Sunday.”
The Cats (13-5-1) earned their NCAA berth by winning the Mid-American Conference Tournament with a 1-0 victory over Akron last Friday. Senior Ilkka Jantti tallied the game-winner in the second overtime to send UK to the NCAA Tournament for the third time in school history.
Kentucky is led by junior John Monebrake’s offensive punch. The MAC Newcomer of the Year has tallied 19 points on eight goals and three assists. Sophomore Chris Soler is tied with Jantti for second on the team with 15 points on seven goals and one assist. Jantti’s points have come on five goals and a team-leading five assists.
In goal, junior transfer Greg Raber continues his strong play. Raber has collected 24 saves and six shutouts, while surrendering just four goals for a 0.39 goals-against average. Only Colin Rogers of Indiana has a better GAA in the country. Since Raber entered the lineup on Oct. 5, the Cats are 9-1-0. As a team, UK’s 0.70 GAA is ranked 13th in the nation.
Mercer (13-7-0) reached the NCAA Tournament by defeating Jacksonville, 2-1, for the Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament title. MU is on a three-game win streak and is led by Neil Zarac’s 31 points. Zarac has scored 12 goals on the year, including five game-winners, and assisted on seven others. Ramiro Canovas has tallied 18 points on seven goals and four assists.
The Bears have had two goalkeepers play between the pipes this season. Lucio Filho has logged 609 mintues with a 0.89 GAA, while Andrew Catrichini has seen 1,239 minutes of action, collecting 41 saves and surrendering 19 goals for a 1.38 GAA.
The winner of this match will face fifth-seeded Clemson on Sunday at 2 p.m.
