Sept. 22, 2012
EVANSVILLE, Ind. — Kentucky got a first-half goal from Tyler Riggs and a second-half tally from Matt Lodge to lead the Wildcats to a dominating 2-0 win over Evansville, on a chilly Saturday night in front of 1,284 fans at Black Beauty Field at Arab McCutchan Stadium.
Kentucky (4-4-0) climbed back to a .500 record with the tough-road win on Saturday night in Evansville. The Wildcats used goals from two of the most prolific players in school history, as Riggs netted his 19th career goal – third of the year – in the first half and Lodge added his club-best fourth goal of the year and the 21st of his career in the second half for the final margin.
UK keeper Jack Van Arsdale was a force in goal as the Wildcats completely controlled the pace of the game throughout. Van Arsdale didn’t need to make a save in his second career shutout and his second in the last three games. Since starting a 1-0 win at No. 18 Louisville on Sept. 14, Van Arsdale has allowed only one goal – a penalty kick goal – in his last 270 minutes.
The Wildcats completed owned the game, posting staggering advantages in shots (18-6) and shots on goal (14-0). Riggs led the way with a season individual game high of seven shots, a career-high for the Trinity High School product, with six coming on target. Senior Charley Pettys collected four shots, while Lodge added three.
Evansville (4-3-0) keeper Eric Teppen saved a staggering 11 shots in the game, keeping the Purple Aces in the contest throughout.
UK took the lead in the 39th minute, as the Wildcats made a run down the far side on the pitch. Jacob Kemper took it into traffic and sent a cross into the six-yard box, finding Riggs. The Louisville, Ky., native secured the ball and wheeled inside the box amongst traffic, setting himself to fire his third goal of the year at the far post. The goal was the 19th of Riggs’ career, ranking him tied for eighth in UK career history with Lee Baker (1996-99) and just behind teammate Matt Lodge at sixth place (20 goals).
In the 78th minute, Riggs played a ball into the box for Lodge, who controlled the ball and beat Teppen with a hard-hit shot at the near post. The goal was Lodge’s team-high fourth of the year and the 21st of his four-year career. A native of Rossington, England, Lodge now has 21 goals and 15 assists in his career, good for 57 points. He ranks sixth in points and passes Michael Strong (2004-08) for sole possession of sixth in career goals. With the assist, Riggs now has eight career assists and 46 career points, ranking ninth-best in UK career history.
UK returns to action on Tuesday, traveling to Fort Wayne, Ind., for a matchup at IPFW at 7 p.m. ET.
GAME NOTES: Freshman Isak Krogstad made his first career start … After playing his first six collegiate games as an attacking player, Krogstad moved to the backline in his first career start … Dustin Scibilia made his first career appearance … Tyler Riggs netted his third of the year in the first half … Riggs’ assist was his eighth career assist … Riggs now has 19 career goals and 46 career points, ranking ninth in UK history in points and tied for eighth in goals … Riggs now has five game-winning goals in his career to take tied for 10th in UK career history … UK now owns a 3-3 all-time record against UE and have won three consecutive in the series … In games played at Evansville, UK owns a 2-2 record.
