Callum Irving Breaks UK All-Time Shutout Record

LEXINGTON, Ky.  – Senior goalkeeper Callum Irving gained sole possession of the Kentucky all-time record for shutouts on Sunday.

He recorded his 23rd career shutout in Kentucky’s 1-0 victory over No. 17 South Carolina on Sunday. 

Irving’s shutout moved him past UK all-time greats Brian O’Leary (1997-00) and Andy Gruenebaum (2002-05) for the top spot in the Kentucky record book. 

 “(The record) gets put on me, but like I said to the guys ‘it gets put on me, but it’s a whole team effort every time,’ “ Irving said. 

He has five shutouts this year after he recorded 10 last season, which was the second most ever in a single season by Wildcat (12 is the record by Chris West in 1995). He had six clean sheets as a sophomore and one as a freshman.

Last season Irving became the fourth Wildcat to be named an All-American by the NSCAA, and also a Scholar All-American. He was also a NSCAA First Team All-Region selection.

In 2014 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).

His 0.90 career goals-against average ranks second in UK history, behind Greg Raber (2001-02; 0.85). He is currently ahead of Gruenebaum (0.97). Gruenebaum recently concluded a nine-year MLS career. He is now a broadcast analyst with Sporting Kansas City.