Sept. 14, 2003
Bowling Green, Ky. – Kentucky (3-0-0) remained undefeated by dropping Western Kentucky (2-3-0),1-0, at the WKU Soccer Field, Sunday afternoon. Head coach Ian Collins and the soccer Cats have yet to relinquish a goal in 270 minutes of play. UK overcame a soggy field and a sluggish start to defeat the Hilltoppers.
“We started a little slow today,” Collins said. “In the second half we absolutely dominated and we still haven’t given up a goal so I’m very happy.”
All-American Jamal Shteiwi scored his first goal of the season and the game’s only goal in the 57th minute of play. Shteiwi received a pass from freshman Riley O’Neill and fired a shot into the lower right-hand corner of the goal that trickled past WKU goalkeeper Wade Roepke. The junior from Cincinnati, Ohio, who led the Cats in scoring last season, now has four points on the season and has recorded an assist or goal in every Kentucky game this season.
“It felt good to get on the board,” Shteiwi said. “I moved to a different position this year and my role has changed, but I want to help the team anyway I can. I shot the ball low because the field was slick and it skipped right under the keepers’ hand.”
UK recorded its third consecutive shutout to start the season, a school record, and sophomore goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum picked up his third career shutout. Gruenebaum had three saves on the day, his first coming in the 21st minute when Western Kentucky’s Richard Mupfudze fired a shot from 10 yards out that Gruenebaum managed to snag while diving to the ground.
“Andy made a big save and our overall team defense was good,” Collins said. “That’s how you win.”
Kentucky will face another tough in-state rival on Tuesday when the Louisville Cardinals visit the Cats at the UK Soccer Complex at 7:30 pm.
“We are really looking forward to the Louisville game,” said Collins. “It will be another battle, but we’ll be ready for it.”
