Oct. 4, 2002
The University of Kentucky women’s soccer team dropped its first Southeastern Conference match of the season losing 1-0 to South Carolina at the UK Soccer Complex Friday night. The win for the Gamecocks (9-2-0/2-0-0 SE) was the first in seven previous tries against the Wildcats (6-4-0/1-1-0 SEC).
“We lost a huge opportunity tonight,” Coach Warren Lipka said. “We have a tendency to put ourselves back in the corner and that’s exactly where we’re at right now. We have a lot of games left, but we lost an opportunity tonight.”
UK outshot USC, 5-2, at the end of one period of play as both teams prevented any serious scoring opportunities. Melinda Carter ended the scoreless match at 52:05 in the second period when the senior midfielder rebounded a faulty clear by the UK defense and rocketed a shot from 16 yards past the reach of UK goalkeeper Liz Butler. It proved to be the only goal the Gamecocks would need as the Cats suffered their second shutout of the season at home.
The Wildcats threatened with three chances to even the match in the second half. The first missed opportunity came with 25 minutes remaining in the match when Elizabeth Ramsey crossed to a streaking Kristen Jedlo down the left flank only to be broken up by USC goalie Elise Matthews diving save. UK was then awarded a free kick at 18:04 when Kathy Fulk was tackled near the top of the box, but Ramsey’s shot slipped over the top of the crossbar by inches. Courtney Pollock then served Ramsey directly in front of the net but the junior midfielder’s header fell into the reach of Matthews at 5:02.
Prior to tonight’s loss, UK owned a 7-0-0 series record over USC, outscoring the Gamecocks 17-5 since the SEC Eastern Division rivals first met on Sept. 10, 1995. Last season, the Cats defeated the Cocks by the same result, 1-0 in Columbia.
The Wildcats return to action on Sunday, Oct. 6 when they play host to Florida at 2 p.m. ET. The Gators enter Sunday’s match with a 10-0-0 series lead over the Wildcats.
12FUSC011UK000Scoring: Carter, USC (unassisted), 52:05Shots: USC 10, UK 13Saves: USC 5, UK 6Fouls: USC 7, UK 11Corner Kicks: USC 5, UK 7Attendance: 452
– UK –
