Undefeated Women’s Soccer Hosts No. 9 UCLA in Massive Sunday Clash
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky women’s soccer (6-0-0) returns to the Bell Soccer Complex tomorrow, Sunday, September 8 for a massive test against women’s soccer powerhouse No. 9 UCLA (5-1-1). The Wildcats look to keep their historic start to the season intact when they kick off at noon E.T. The match will be televised on ESPNU.
The Wildcats enter the match after winning their sixth straight game, their fifth in the Bell, in 2024 defeating in-state foe Murray State 1-0 on Thursday evening. Freshman Anna Sikorski delivered the game-winning goal in the 66th minute, the first collegiate goal of her career. She adds to an assist she recorded earlier in the season and is one of five freshmen to score a goal for the Wildcats this year.
The game was frustrating 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 Wildcats’ looks at goal 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 Bruins enter the game after a frustrating 0-0 draw against Southeastern Conference rival Tennessee on Thursday night. UCLA outshot the Volunteers 16-7 with five shots on goal to their six, but neither side were able to find a goal.
Despite missing four players due to the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup, the Bruins are no team to take lightly. Through seven games UCLA has only conceded one goal and rank fourth in the nation in goals-against average (0.333) and shutout percentage (0.667). The Wildcats will have their work cut out for them having to break down yet another stout defensive shape at the Bell.
Big Blue Nation is strongly encouraged to come support the program and wear white on Sunday afternoon for the match. Students and staff get free entry with their UK IDs and free pizza will be available for students and staff. There will be giveaways for fans as well.
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.
