LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Kentucky men?s soccer team opened its 2007 season Monday by tying border-rival Dayton 1-1 in the exhibition opener for the Wildcats at the UK Soccer Complex.

The two teams played a regulation match, followed by a predetermined 20-minute overtime period that would have been contested despite the score.

?This was a good opportunity to play a lot of players and get a good look at the team,? UK head coach Ian Collins said.

Kentucky got on the board in the 53rd minute when a header from Masumi Turnbull, the team?s assists leader from a year ago, found the back of the net off a cross from Chad Hagerty.

Dayton?s lone goal came from Jeff Popella in the 72nd minute, as he sent a deep shot past Kentucky keeper Matt Troop to knot the score at 1-1.

The Wildcats appeared to have a strong chance at taking the lead late in the match, but an off sides call deep in the box thwarted UK?s scoring opportunity in the 79th minute.

Kentucky travels to Morgantown, W.Va., at 7 p.m. EDT Saturday to face West Virginia in its final exhibition match of the season. The Wildcats open the 2007 regular season Aug. 31 and Sept. 2 when they play host to the annual University of Kentucky Invitational. Kentucky plays host to Cornell at 7:30 p.m. EDT Friday, Aug. 31.