Oct. 19, 2003

LEXINGTON, Ky. —Kentucky (8-4-1, 2-0-0 MAC) and Akron (10-3-1, 5-0-0 MAC) were voted as the top-two teams in the Mid-American Conference in a preseason coaches poll and thus far they have not disappointed. The Wildcats and Zips are both undefeated in conference play heading into their Sunday 2:30 p.m. showdown at the UK Soccer Complex.

“Akron is a very good team with a lot of experience,” head coach Ian Collins said. “We have to come out focused, disciplined and ready to battle. This is usually a barn-burner of a game and I don’t think it will be any different this year.”

The Wildcats are led by junior Jamal Shteiwi, who set a Kentucky single-season assist record when he picked up his 10th assist of the season, Friday, in the Cats’ 3-0 victory over Western Michigan. Shteiwi’s 14 career assists ties him with Sean Endicott (1995-96) and Sean Mondelli (1995-97) for the second most in Kentucky history.

Kentucky has outscored its opponents 22-11 on the season and sophomore goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum has recorded 44 saves to go along with five shutouts in 12 games.

The Zips edged Northern Illinois, 1-0, in their last outing and junior goalkeeper Justin Christafaris has nine shutouts in 14 games this season.