Women’s Soccer Faces Final Non-Conference Test Sunday

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky women’s soccer (5-0-1, 0-0-0 SEC) battles Iowa State (3-3-1, 0-0-0 Big 12) this Sunday at 2 p.m. in the team’s final non-conference contest of 2023. The match will be played at the Cyclone Sports Complex and can be seen live on ESPN+.

The Wildcats are looking to get through non-conference play unbeaten for the first time since 2007. The 5-0-1 start to 2023 is the program’s best start to a season since they began 7-0-0 in 2011.

Kentucky has won its last three matches against Power Five non-conference opponents dating back to last season. UK has never won four-consecutive matches against non-conference opponents in the Power Five.

Last Thursday, the Cats pulled out a 3-0 win over Belmont behind goals from Úlfa Úlfarsdóttir, Maya Lacognato and Ella Kane. Goalkeeper Marz Josephson posted her third-straight shutout in net, marking the first time Kentucky has had three consecutive shutouts since 2019. Josephson’s four shutouts this season are tied for the most in the conference, while her 0.33 GAA and 0.857 save percentage are both second in the SEC.

Fifth-year Jordyn Rhodes continues to chase the program’s all-time goal record of 44 set by Kim LaBelle. Rhodes sits at 42 goals for her UK career, including six this season, tied for the most in the SEC.

Iowa State is coming off a 2-0 win over Portland St. their last time on the pitch, a result which snapped a four-game winless streak. Senior Mira Emma scored both goals in the victory, bringing her to a team-high four goals on the season. Redshirt freshman Avery Gillahan has made all seven starts in net, collecting two shutouts.

Sunday’s meeting will be the second all-time between the two programs. Kentucky faced Iowa State last season in Lexington, emerging with a 4-0 win over the Cyclones.

For the latest on UK Women’s Soccer, follow the Wildcats on Twitter and Instagram at @UKWomensSoccer, on Facebook and on the web at UKathletics.com.