Sept. 28, 2008
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Lexington, Ky. – The UK women’s soccer team (3-5-2, 1-0-1 SEC) continued its streak of shutouts, having not allowed a goal in its last three matches, this time shutting down Alabama (6-3-1, 1-1-0) 2-0.
Sydney Hiance moved into fifth place on her own in UK’s all-time shutout list, recording her eighth career shutout and matching total of four last season.
“This was a big swing for us from last year,” said UK head coach Warren Lipka. “Last year on the opening weekend we didn’t get any points, this year we’ve got four. I think the team is really coming together. Sydney has played great in her last two games. Our back four are more organized and the midfield has really tightened up. We’re putting together more complete games.”
Kentucky struck first, taking advantage of a foul in the box by Alabama goalie Kara Gudmens. Gudmens was racing after a loose ball, but was whistled for tripping Kentucky’s Kiondra McGee. Kristin Kover took the penalty kick and was successful in the upper right 90 of the goal for her first goal of the season and a 1-0 Kentucky lead.
The Wildcats added an insurance goal in the 58th minute off a Kover corner kick. Kover sent a ball in front of the Alabama goal that Kate Hughes settled and knocked over to Giuleana Lopez. Lopez finished off the play for her second goal of the season and a 2-0 UK lead.
Nicola Holdsworth attempted to make it a three-goal match in the 68th minute when she ripped off a shot from 20 yards out, but Gudmens deflected the ball enough to cause it to deflect off the crossbar and away from the action.
Ashley James went for her first goal of the season in the 72nd minute when she got loose from the Alabama defense and was one-on-one with Gudmans, but she sent a shot high over the crossbar from 16 yards out.
The Kentucky offense continued to show life offensively, outshooting the Crimson Tide 17-8 including nine shots on goal to three. UK also managed six corner kicks to Alabama’s one.
The Wildcats continue their SEC home stand next weekend, hosting the South Carolina Gamecocks and Florida Gators.
