Aug. 22, 2003

FT. WAYNE, Ind. – The University of Kentucky men’s soccer team beat No. 7 Indiana, 2-1, at the IPFW Soccer Showcase in Ft. Wayne, Ind., Friday night in front of 4,200 fans. UK looked impressive in its first preseason game of 2003 against one of the premier teams in the country.

Freshman Nathan Li scored the game-winning goal for the Cats in dramatic fashion. With 26 seconds remaining in the game, senior Chris Austin attempted a shot from near midfield that was blocked by Indiana goalkeeper, Jay Nolly. Meanwhile, Li managed to squeeze between a host of Hoosier defenders to score in the lower right-hand corner off the rebound.

“Austin whipped the ball in the box and when it got knocked down I saw the open corner so I one-timed it in,” Li said.

Head Coach Ian Collins was happy with the overall performance of the team, especially Li’s heroic efforts at the end.

“It is good to see Nathan, a freshman, bang it home at the end,” Collins said. “It was good for him. He’s worked really hard and I’m proud of him and everybody else as well.”

The Hoosiers got on the scoreboard first when Vijay Dias netted a header in the 21st minute off a cross from Drew Shinabarger. UK answered just before halftime when junior Jamal Shteiwi scored on a free kick to tie the game 1-1.

“The guys took a little while to settle down, but once we settled down I thought we played very well,” Collins said. “IU is top-quality opposition. We made a lot of substitutions and the players we put in did very well.”

Kentucky will play its second game of the Soccer Showcase on Sunday against another Big Ten team, Michigan State. Despite the victory over the longtime rival Hoosiers, Collins will try to keep his team focused for the long season ahead.

“I thought it was quality soccer and a good game,” Collins said. “I still think we have a lot of work to do, but I see a lot of positives and we have a lot of things to work with.”