Women’s Soccer Keeps Winning; Moves to 6-0 for First Time in 13 Years
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky women’s soccer (6-0-0) remains perfect in 2024 defeating in-state foe Murray State (3-3-1) at the Bell Soccer Complex Thursday evening. Despite a stubborn defensive shape from the Racers, freshman Anna Sikorski found the much-needed goal for the Wildcats in the 66th minute to keep their best start to a season in 13 years.
The game was a frustrating one for the Wildcats as Murray State maintained a solid defensive shape throughout much of the first 45 minutes. Despite outshooting the Racers 11-1 in the first half, the looks at goal for the Wildcats were imperfect and not what was desired from an offense firing on all cylinders. Knotted at 0-0 at the break, Kentucky knew they needed to do something to break the deadlock.
The Wildcats continued to chip away at the Racers’ stubborn defense for roughly 20 minutes before the breakthrough moment happened. Maddie Kemp lofted a ball over the top to Makala Woods on the near side of the box who took a touch before finding Sikorski at the top of the box on the left side. Sikorski took a touch, set the ball on her left foot, and curled a shot just out of reach past the Racers’ goalkeeper Griselda Revolorio for the game-winning goal. The Wildcats kept the pressure up in search of a second, but the moment never came.
The victory is historic marking the first time the program has started a season 6-0 in 13 years; not since 2011 and only for the third time in program history. The 2011 team went 7-0 to start that season before falling to No. 24 Dayton at the time. It also marks Troy Fabiano’s best start to a season since taking the job in 2022. The Wildcats also recorded their fourth shutout at home this season.
The Wildcats return to the Bell Soccer Complex on Sunday, September 8th at noon for a pivotal matchup against No. 9 ranked UCLA. Season tickets for all Kentucky soccer men’s and women’s home games can be purchased here, while single-game tickets are available here.
For the latest on UK Women’s Soccer, follow the Wildcats on Facebook, Instagram, X and at UKathletics.com.