Oct. 13, 2003

Kentucky sophomore Brandon Stewart was named Defensive MVP for his performance at the adidas/Spartan Classic in Greensboro, N.C. over the weekend. The Dallas native, scored on goal and played solid defense against UNC Greensboro and No. 3 North Carolina.

Against UNC Greensboro, Stewart nabbed a pass from a Spartan player and drove approximately 30 yards between several defenders. He fired a shot from 12 yards out that escaped the goalkeeper for the score.

“As soon as I got (the ball) I was looking for someone else to pass it to,” Stewart said. “But, the defense opened up, so I took the opportunity at a shot and made it.”

The weekend was extra special for Stewart as his father, Ralph, made the trip from Dallas, Texas to watch him play for the first time in his collegiate career.

“It was added motivation to have him there,” Stewart said. “I love playing in front of my family. They don’t get to see me play very often.”

Stewart has started in 25 of 27 games in his career at Kentucky and has recorded four goals and one assist as a defensive player.