Cats Earn First Conference Win with 3-0 Shutout of FAU
LEXINGTON, Ky. – No. 21 Kentucky earned its first Conference USA victory of the season with a 3-0 shutout of Florida Atlantic on Saturday night at Wendell & Vickie Bell Soccer Complex.
The Wildcats move to 3-1-2 overall with a 1-0-1 mark in league play, while the Owls fall to 2-3 (0-2 C-USA).
“I’m proud of the guys,” said UK assistant coach Josh Oldroyd. “They showed a lot of character and a lot of discipline.”
Sophomore midfielder Clay Holstad got on the board early with his first goal of the season in the 17th minute. The Birmingham, Alabama, native got behind the defense on a free kick from John Michael Bandy, making contact with FAU goalkeeper Daniel Ragoo and heading the ball into the back of the net.
After managing just one more shot in addition to Holstad’s attempt and taking a 1-0 lead into intermission, Kentucky came out firing in the second half. The Cats tried nine shots in the period, aiming seven on target and connecting on two.
Junior midfielder Kalil ElMedkhar scored his second goal in as many matches in the 73rd minute by way of the second assist of fellow midfielder Marcel Meinzer’s sophomore campaign. Redshirt sophomore Nicolas Blassou wrapped things up for good with his first career goal off an assist from Eythor Bjorgolfsson and a corner kick from Robert Screen in the 87th minute.
UK keeper Enrique Facusse recorded his second clean sheet and tied a season-high four saves. ElMedkhar led the team with three shots, followed closely by two from Meinzer. Holstad, Blassou, Bjorgolfsson, Daniel Evans, Mason Visconti and Brandon McManus attempted one apiece.
Kentucky’s win increases its lead to 7-0-1 in the all-time head-to-head series with Florida Atlantic.
The Cats are set for another home tilt early next week, beginning a four-match hiatus from conference competition. Kentucky will take on Bowling Green (4-2-1) on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. ET.
For the latest on the Kentucky men’s soccer team, follow @UKMensSoccer on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, as well as on the web at UKAthletics.com.
