By Lukas Owens
Dec. 17, 2014

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Kentucky men’s soccer goalkeeper Callum Irving is a finalist for the 2014 Soccer News Net College Boot, awarded to the top Division I player in the country.

Voting is under way on Soccer News Net Website through Dec. 23. Online fan voting accounts for 40 percent of the vote in determining the Soccer News Net Player of the Year. The winner will be announced in January.

Irving has already raked in his share of postseason awards, most recently becoming the fourth Wildcat to be named an All-American by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. He was also a NSCAA First Team All-Region selection.

He was voted the Conference USA Player of the Year, Defensive MVP and First Team All-C-USA honoree in addition to winning the Golden Glove Award, which went to the conference goalie with the most shutouts in league-play (five).

Irving, UK’s captain, led the Wildcats to a 10-win season, second place in C-USA and a first-round berth in the NCAA Tournament.

The junior finished the year with a 0.77 goals-against average, the fourth-best total in UK single-season history. He tallied 10 shutouts on the year, which tied for fourth most in the nation.

Irving ranks ninth in UK season record book with 65 saves.

His 0.98 career goals-against average ranks third in UK history, behind Greg Raber (2001-02; 0.85) and Andy Gruenebaum (2002-05, 0.97), who is currently a goalie with Major League Soccer side San Jose Earthquakes. Gruenebaum is a nine-year MLS veteran having also played for Columbus Crew and Sporting Kansas City.

Irving ranks fifth in UK career history with 17 shutouts, five away from the record.