LEXINGTON, Ky. — Two days away from its season lidlifter against Dayton at the UK Soccer Complex, the Kentucky men’s soccer team has been tabbed a team to watch in 2011 by the College Soccer News.

The Wildcats were listed among five teams in the NCAA that “may surprise in 2011”. Also joining UK was Clemson, Columbia, Elon and Wisconsin on the listing.

“If you are looking for a team with the potential to rocket upward in the polls in 2011, then look no further than Kentucky,” College Soccer News detailed. “Expectations are high in Lexington as a solid core of starters are back from the 2010 team. In addition several players who missed the 2010 campaign due to injury are available in 2011. Kentucky will be very competitive, high energy and aggressive team on both sides of the ball in 2011.”

Kentucky returns a pair of preseason All-Conference USA selections, including midfielder Matt Lodge and defender Dylan Asher. Tyler Riggs, who led UK with five goals as a freshman in 2010, is joined by all-conference performers Brad Walker and goalkeeper Tyler Beadle.

The Wildcats open the 2011 season on Friday, facing Dayton at 7:30 p.m. ET at the UK Soccer Complex. Fans can follow along with the game with live video available through UKathletics.com.