Sept. 21, 2008
Lexington, Ky. – The UK women’s soccer team (2-5-1) ended its non-conference schedule on a high note, posting a 4-0 victory over the Cleveland State Vikings (4-5-0).
The Wildcats put together their first complete game of the season, posting their second shutout of the year, while outshooting Cleveland State 24-4 and gaining eight corner kicks to the Vikings’ zero. UK got four goals from four different players, including first goals of the season from Katie Fahey, Nicola Holdsworth and Giuleana Lopez.
“Our focus today was to play half by half,” said UK head coach Warren Lipka. “We put together a complete 90 minutes. We created opportunities and we converted on those opportunities. It was a good way to end the non-conference schedule and now we just need to rest up for the start of SEC play next weekend.”
Fahey wasted no time getting the Cats on the board, netting UK’s quickest goal of the season, 2:28 into the match. Julie Hull sent a free kick towards the left sideline to Jenna Goblirsch, who serviced a ball to Fahey just in front of the Viking goal. Fahey settled the ball and fired a shot between CSU goalie Kelly Zinkiewich and the right post for a 1-0 UK lead.
UK netted their second goal nearly five minutes later, this time with Nicola Holdsworth doing the honors. Kelly Miller sent a ball in front of the Cleveland State goal that Holdsworth picked up and put to the left of a diving Zinkiewich for a 2-0 Wildcat lead.
Laura Novikoff added to her team leading goal total, tallying her fifth of the season, seven and a half minutes into the second half. Ashley Stack chased down a loose ball on the left side and sent a perfect centering pass to Novikoff five yards in front of the CSU goal. Novikoff settled the ball and fired a shot just inside the left goal post for the 3-0 Wildcat lead.
Lopez made it a 4-0 affair at the 69:09 mark when she controlled a loose ball from 15 yards out and connected on a shot in the upper left 90 of the goal. It was Lopez’s first goal since Nov. 1, 2006 against Ole Miss. Lopez missed the 2007 season while rehabbing from knee surgery.
The offense seems to be coming around for Kentucky as they have outshot their last three opponents 82-27.
The Wildcats open conference play on Friday when they host the Auburn Tigers.
