Sept. 7, 2003
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – The Kentucky men’s soccer team opened the 2003 season with a 3-0 win over UNC Asheville Sunday. The Cats (1-0) played their season opener against the Bulldogs (1-1-1) after the original opener against Louisville was postponed due to inclement weather.
“We are really happy to finally open the season and I thought our boys played really well,” Coach Ian Collins said. “We came to a difficult place to play, but we didn’t give UNC Asheville any chance to settle down.”
Sophomore Joey Gaworecki put Kentucky on the board in the 26th minute when he found the back of the net from 25 yards out off an assist from junior transfer Peter McLellan. The sophomore from Houston, Texas scored his first career goal as a Wildcat after a 2002 hiatus.
“It feels great to be back with the team,” Gaworecki said. “I made eye contact with Peter (McLellan) and he found me so I dropped it over the top for the goal.”
Kentucky led 1-0 at the half and did not allow UNC Asheville to attempt a shot until the 52nd minute of play. The Wildcats out-shot the Bulldogs 20-5 and sophomore goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum recorded his first career shutout and was only forced to make one save the entire game.
“Our defense was solid and we protected our goalkeeper well,” said Collins.
The Cats added two assurance goals in the second half. Senior Brook Pearse scored the first in the 48th minute of play off an assist from junior Jamal Shteiwi, who was a third team NSCAA All-American last season. Sophomore Thomas Senecal scored Kentucky’s third and final goal in the 59th minute off junior Richard Morton’s cross.
UK’s next game is Thursday, Sept. 11 at Cincinnati.
Scoring Summary
UK* – #15 Joey Gaworecki (#10 Peter McLellan) – 25:20UK 1, UNCA 0
UK – #16Brook Pearse (#8 Jamal Shteiwi) – 47:46UK 2, UNCA 0
UK – #6 Thomas Senecal (#4 Richard Morton) – 58:36UK 3, UNCA 0
* game-winner
