LEXINGTON ? After spending a decade in the Mid-American Conference, the Kentucky men?s soccer team begins a new era on Friday when it takes on Florida International in its Conference USA opener at Miami.

The Wildcats made the move after winning four MAC championships in the past five years and claiming three MAC Tournament titles. Conference USA was ranked the nation?s fourth toughest league heading into this season.

?It?s very exciting to go into our first conference weekend in Conference USA,? Kentucky head coach Ian Collins said.

In its opening weekend of C-USA play, Kentucky faces the Golden Panthers before traveling to UCF on Sunday. The two opponents have the two best records in the league so far.

?It will be extremely tough weekend for us,? Collins said. ?It should really test our resolve in difficult conditions to play in.?

Friday?s contest marks the second for the UK at FIU. In 2001, the Golden Panthers scored a 1-0 victory in their home tournament in that contest. The Wildcats and Golden Knights have never met.

?We are in uncharted territory in regards to our conference opponent,? Collins said. ?We know they are all quality opponents ? FIU was in the top 25 last weekend ? and playing in Miami will be difficult, but our team is up to the challenge.?

Kentucky is fresh off a tie last weekend against and No. 11 Ohio State. In that game, the Wildcats scored first, but gave up an own goal midway through the second half.

?Coming off a game in which I thought we were clearly the better team should give us confidence and we hope to keep moving forward,? Collins said.