Sept. 16, 2008
LEXINGTON
, Ky. —
After dispatching rival Cincinnati 4-1 on Saturday, the Kentucky men’s soccer team – utilizing the third-most potent offense in the nation – returns to action, hosting the Michigan Wolverines in a Wednesday 7 p.m. ET matchup at the UK Soccer Complex.
Kentucky
(3-2) is scoring 3.2 goals per game through its first five matches, ranking third in the NCAA in scoring offense
, with Dartmouth the national leader with 3.75 goals per game. The Wildcats set the school mark with four or more goals in three of its first five games and their 16 goals rank second only to the 2006 club which opened up its first five games with 17 goals – bolstered by a 8-0 win over Georgetown College (Ky.).
The Wildcats have been led offensively by senior forward Michael Strong, who leads the club with five goals in five games. Freshmen forwards Taylor White and Marco dos Santos ranks second on the club with two goals each, while junior co-captain Jason Griffiths has netted two penalty kick goals and added an assist. In UK’s win at Cincinnati on Saturday, junior forward Tim Crone notched his second career two-goal game, netting his first two goals of the season.
In goal, UK’s steady keeper, Dan Williams has started all five games and totaled a 1.04 goals against average, saving 11 shots and posting one shutout.
Michigan
(4-1) holds the all-time advantage in the series, having won all four meetings, dating back to 2004. UK and the Wolverines have faced each of the last four years, with U-M claiming a 4-0 win in 2007 as part of the U-M Invitational. In the last game of the series played at the UK Soccer Complex, UK suffered a 2-1 setback in overtime. Three of UK’s four losses to U-M have come in overtime.
The Wolverines have been led by junior forward Perica Marosevic, who has posted five goals and an assist in the first six games. Senior forward Jake Stacy ranks second on the club with three goals and two assists, while junior defender Matt Schmitt has functioned as the team assist man, doling out six assists and adding one goal. Junior forward Mauro Fuzetti has totaled two goals and two assists, leading the club with two game winners. In goal, senior Patrick Sperry has started all six games, allowing 11 goals and a 1.79 goals against average, saving 11 shots and posting one shutout.
U-M is coming off a 2-1 win vs. Buffalo, where the Wolverines got a Fuzetti goal in the 84th for the difference. U-M’s lone defeat came at the hands of UIC, dropping a 4-1 decision after allowing four unanswered goals before getting on the board in the 89th minute.
UK
Athletics Hosts Faculty and Staff Appreciation Night Wednesday
UK Athletics and the Kentucky Men’s Soccer team invite you to a special UK Faculty & Staff Appreciation Night Wednesday, September 17. The men’s soccer team will face Michigan at 7 p.m. ET at the UK Soccer Complex.
Bring a UK faculty/staff ID to the game and get FREE ADMISSION for yourself and up to three guests. Kids are welcome and arrive early to play in the Fun Zone, featuring inflatable games, a 3 v. 3 soccer field and face painting (weather permitting). T-shirts, soccer horns and thunderstix will be thrown into the crowd throughout the night. Be there as UK baseball coach Gary Henderson, women’s basketball asst. athletic director Pam Stackhouse and athletic director Mitch Barnhart award the winner of the Chili Cook-Off.
The UK Soccer Complex is located off Alumni Drive behind Commonwealth Stadium. Parking is free. Gates open at 6 p.m. For more information, call 1-800-928-CATS or visit UKathletics.com.
