LEXINGTON ? In a rematch of last year?s NCAA Tournament first round contest, the Kentucky men?s soccer team hosts Cincinnati Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. at the UK Soccer Complex.
A year ago, the Wildcats and Bearcats fought to a scoreless draw through two overtimes before Kentucky (9-4-3) advanced to the second round with a 4-2 advantage in penalty kicks. Goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum made two saves in the penalty round, including one coach Ian Collins called ?world-class,? to lift the Wildcats to victory.
?I think some revenge from the NCAA Tournament last year is definitely going to be a factor,? said Kentucky coach Ian Collins. ?It will be a very tough game and a good game.?
Cincinnati (6-7-2) has been on fire lately, going unbeaten in its past six games without allowing a goal in the last three. Included in that stretch is a win over 13th-ranked South Florida.
?They are one of the hottest teams in the country right now,? Collins said. ?They have knocked off some quality teams, and the way they are playing right now, they are one of the top teams in the country. It?s going to be difficult.?
This past weekend, Kentucky won its fourth Mid-America Conference title in the last five years. The Wildcats are unbeaten in their last three outings and are looking to peak at the right time as the postseason begins next week.
Keying Kentucky?s play has been the defense, which has held 14 straight opponents to one goal or less.
?I think Brandon Stewart is really playing like he?s capable. He?s been outstanding,? Collins said. ?Thomas Senecal and Nathan Li are also playing really well. Another guy, Dave Hertel, has stepped into a starting role and really been dynamic. The whole team is playing well, but those guys have turned up their games.?
Wednesday?s contest is the first of two big games as the Wildcats travel to No. 17 UAB on Saturday to end the regular season.
?By the time we?re finished with this week, hopefully we?ll have put ourselves into position to earn an at large bid to the NCAA Tournament,? Collins said. ?Both of these games are opportunities to help us.?
