Oct. 24, 2003
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky (10-4-1, 4-0-0 MAC) put its undefeated Mid-American Conference record on the line against Buffalo (1-10-3, 0-5-0 MAC) and came away with a 2-0 win at the UK Soccer Complex. UK has now won at least 10 games for the last seven consecutive years as head coach Ian Collins picked up his 116th career victory at Kentucky. This season, the Cats have not relinquished a goal in four conference matches.
“It’s a good feeling,” Collins said about being undefeated in conference play. “I thought the first half we were very good. We had the chance to score a couple more goals. In the second half we maybe got a little tired and seemed to lack energy, but I also give Buffalo credit for coming back strong.”
The Wildcats controlled the game from the opening kickoff not letting Buffalo cross the midfield line for the majority of the first 15 minutes of play. Freshman Riley O’Neill continued to add to an already impressive first year with the Cats. The Campbell River, British Columbia, native received a pass from Joey Gaworecki eight minutes into the game and buried a shot into the back of the net from three yards out. O’Neill’s goal was Kentucky’s first shot attempt of the game.
“Joey (Gaworecki) put himself in a lot of dangerous scoring positions today,” Collins said. “He’s coming off an injury so it was good to get him back in a game situation and I’m happy for him and Riley that they were able to connect on the early goal.”
“Joey gave me a nice pass between two players, right in front of the net,” O’Neill said. “My job was the easy part.”
Kentucky added an assurance goal in the 24th minute when sophomore Thomas Senecal scored his third goal of the season on a header from junior Jamal Shteiwi’s assist. Shteiwi now has 11 assists on the season, a Kentucky record, and leads the Wildcats with 19 points on the season.
When Senecal scored Kentucky’s second goal, the Wildcats had attempted four shots and connected on two for scores.
Kentucky goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum recorded his seventh shutout of the season and his fourth against MAC opponents. The sophomore has played three consecutive matches without giving up a goal for the second time this season. The Wildcats opened the season 3-0-0, all three coming by way of a shutout.
“Buffalo is a good team and despite their record they are a very dangerous opponent,” Gruenebaum said. “Every game in college soccer is very emotional and very hard fought.”‘
Kentucky’s defense managed to hold Buffalo to no shots in the first half and only four in the game, despite playing without senior defensive captain Chris Austin and sophomore defender Brandon Stewart.
The Wildcats paid tribute to its senior class before the game in recognition of “Senior Night”. Seniors Chris Austin, Steven McLay, Brook Pearse and Craig Pykett have each contributed to the Kentucky soccer program in some way and will be sorely missed.
“I felt good for them,” Collins said. “I’m happy that we could send them off with a victory and now we have to get focused for Sunday’s match.”
UK is back in action on Sunday when it travels to Huntington, W.Va., to face the Marshall Thundering Herd (4-10-0, 1-3-0 MAC) at 2 p.m.
