Sept. 3, 2009

Lexington, Ky. – Each new match brings a new challenge for the UK women’s soccer team, and Friday’s match against ninth ranked Wake Forest (4-0-0) at the UK Soccer Complex is no different.

The Wildcats (2-0-0) opened the season with a 2-1 victory over Cincinnati to usher in the Jon Lipsitz era. UK then claimed its first win over in-state rival Louisville in 13 years, a 1-0 victory over the Cardinals last weekend. Now the Wildcats take on their first top 10 ranked team this season in the Demon Deacons.

“I have had the pleasure of coaching against Wake Forest in the past,” said Lipsitz. “They are technical, fun to watch and play great attacking soccer. We have a great challenge ahead of us as I know (Wake Forest head) Coach (Tony) da Luz will have his team ready.

“We’ll return to Wake Forest for a match next year. These matches not only prepare us for the rigors of the SEC schedule, they also give us a chance to test ourselves against the best. With our goal of being a national contender, we have to challenge ourselves as often as possible.”

Kentucky has never shied away from top flight competition, taking on 18 ranked programs over the last three years, including three top 10 teams last season.

UK and Wake have met only once before, with the Demon Deacons coming away with a 3-2 overtime win in the 1998 SEC/ACC Challenge in Clemson, S.C. In that game, Kentucky struck first on a goal by Aimee Brown, but the Deacons answered with two straight goals. UK’s Carrie Staber tied the game in the 59th minute, but Wake Forest recorded the golden goal in overtime for the win.

The Wildcats are led offensively by junior Giuleana Lopez and sophomore Jenna Goblirsch. Both have three points on a goal and an assist and each of their goals have been game winners.

Sydney Hiance has played all 180 minutes in goal for the Cats, recording a shutout and posting a 0.50 goals against average. The junior goalie is one shutout shy from fourth place on Kentucky’s all-time shutout list.

Wake Forest enters the match having won four straight to open the season, outscoring their opponents 14-2, including a pair of 5-0 victories over High Point and UNC-Wilmington. Kaley Fountain leads the Demon Deacons on the offensive end with 12 points off five goals and two assists.

Kentucky and Wake Forest are scheduled for a 2:30 p.m. kickoff on Friday with live stats and blog available at UKathletics.com. The first 50 fans through the gate will receive a free hot dog.