Aug. 15, 2003

Akron and Kentucky will dominate the Mid-American Conference in men’s soccer according to the league’s seven coaches, the MAC office announced Thursday with its preseason poll. Akron has been tabbed the preseason regular-season champion, while Kentucky is the favorite to capture the 2003 tournament title.

While Akron returns a team similar to last year’s 2002 MAC title winners, Kentucky will show-case a different squad in 2003. The Wildcats return only four starters, but feature all-MAC selection Jamal Shteiwi. Shteiwi led the team in goals (7) and points (15). The Wildcats tallied a record of 10-9-0 in 2002 and lost to Bowling Green in the semifinals of the MAC Tournament.

“Being selected as MAC champion is nice because it shows we have earned the respect of the teams in out conference,” Collins said. “However, I have never seen a championship won on paper and we are expecting a battle in every MAC game that we have.”

The Cats 2003 campaign begins next weekend with a trip to Fort Wayne, Ind., to participate in the IPFW/adidas Classic. UK will face off against No. 10 Indiana on Friday, Aug. 22 and Michigan State on Sunday, Aug. 24.

Kentucky will hold its first official practice session Saturday, Aug. 16 at the UK Soccer Complex from 10 am – 12 pm. Media members interested in interviewing players and/or coaches are asked to call the UK Media Relations Department in advance of attending practice. The best time to reach players is at the end of each practice session.

2003 MAC Preseason Coaches’ Poll

1. Akron
2. Kentucky
3. Bowling Green
4. Marshall
5. Western Michigan
6. Buffalo
7. Northern Illinois
MAC Tournament Champion: Kentucky

Kentucky Preseason Practice Schedule

Sat. Aug. 16 – 10 am – 12 pm
Sun. Aug. 17 – 10 am – 12 pm; 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Mon. Aug. 18 – 10 am – 12 pm; 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Tues. Aug. 19 – 10 am – 12 pm; 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Wed. Aug. 20 – 10 am – 12 pm; 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Thurs. Aug. 21 – 10 am – 12 pm
Fri. Aug. 22 – IPFW/adidas Classic (Ft. Wayne, Ind.)