No. 20/9 UK Soccer Set for Midweek Non-Conference Test v Lipscomb
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LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Kentucky men’s soccer team – winner of two in a row, and now checked in at No. 9 in the first edition of the NCAA’s Rating Percentage Index and No. 20 in the NSCAA coaches poll – will play Lipscomb at The Bell Wednesday.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. The match will be broadcast on SEC Network+.
The setup
Kentucky earned two 1-0 results against quality sides – East Tennessee State University and No. 21 new Mexico – that entered The Bell riding hot streaks, last week.
The Wildcats, with a 2016 record of won 5, lost 2, drawn 1 (1-1-0 Conference USA), will be playing the third act in a four-match home stand. Kentucky is 4-0-1 at home this season and has won three in a row.
Lipscomb enters Wednesday with a 2016 record of 5-3-0 (1-1-0 Atlantic Sun).
Kentucky has scored 10 and conceded four goals this season. Lipscomb has scored 15, and conceded nine goals in 2016.
Both teams’ goalkeepers – Stuart Ford for Kentucky, Micah Bledsoe for Lipscomb — were named their conferences defensive player of the week, Monday.
Kentucky’s attempts to solidify its defensive identify payed dividends in two matches last week as the Wildcats kept their fourth and fifth clean sheets of the season.
Kentucky has yet to concede a goal from the run of play this season.
Ford has a league-best 0.48 goals-against average in 756:12 minutes of match action this season. That record is eight best in the nation.
The logistics
Wednesday’s match has been designated Kentucky’s Special Olympics match. Special Olympics athletes will serve as pre-match mascots for the walk out.
The first 250 fans at The Bell will receive a match poster.
Gates will open at 6 p.m.
Tickets are $5 for the general public and $2 for youth and seniors. Fans can purchase tickets online via Ticketmaster or by calling (800) 928-2287, or at the ticket window at The Bell.
Kentucky’s 600-plus season ticket holders can wear their 2016 Kentucky Soccer scarves to gain admission.
Parking for the match is first come first served located outside the stadium’s main entrance. Overflow parking will be available above the soccer practice pitch.
UK players will sign autographs on the side of the pitch following the match weather-permitting.
The precedent
Kentucky and Lipscomb will be playing a competitive match for the first time.
