Oct. 22, 2003
Senior Profile: Steven McLay | Senior Profile: Chris Austin
Kentucky senior back Chris Austin is the latest UK men’s soccer player to be recognized for his accomplishments on the field. Austin was named to the Soccer America Men’s Team of the Week, Wednesday.
“Our team is playing well defensively,” head coach Ian Collins said. “Chris Austin is the leader of our defense. He is a great organizer and communicator. I’m glad to see him get some recognition.”
Austin is the second Kentucky player recognized by a national publication this week. Sophomore goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum was named to the College Soccer News “National Team of the Week” and Mid-American Conference Player of the Week on Monday.
“Andy is obviously having a great season in goal as well,” Collins said. “It’s good to see guys get some individual recognition. That’s definitely a testament to the way the rest of our team is playing. Chris and Andy have provided great leadership, but I think the entire team is defending great and hopefully we can keep it going.”
The Wildcats (9-4-1, 3-0-0 MAC) turned in two dominating performances this past weekend against Mid-American Conference opponents. Against Western Michigan, UK out shot the Broncos 11-4 in the first half and recorded its fifth shutout of the season in a 3-0 victory.
Two days later, the Cats put together another impressive defensive performance against then No. 12 Akron. Austin directed a Kentucky defense that only allowed one shot in the first half and didn’t give up a single shot on goal in its 1-0 win over the Zips.
“Our programs here have been built on defense. We’ve had some great offensive players, but our whole team has always defended well. This team is now starting to understand the pride that goes into playing solid defense to shut out our opponents. It’s not as good as we’d like, but it’s getting there slowly.”
Austin and fellow seniors Steven McLay, Brooke Pearse and Craig Pykett will be honored on Friday, Oct. 24 at the UK Soccer Complex during Senior Night ceremonies. The men will play host to Buffalo at 7:30 p.m. in a double-header with the Kentucky women’s team vs. Georgia at 5 p.m.
