Wildcats Close Out Homestand, Host UCF in Sun Belt Opener
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Kentucky Wildcats (3-0-2) are set to conclude a five-match homestand and begin 2025 Sun Belt Conference play under the Friday night lights at The Bell tomorrow in a matchup against the UCF Knights.
The Wildcats came in at No. 22 in this week’s United Soccer Coaches national poll following a 4-0 win over Detroit Mercy and a 1-1 draw to Bowling Green on Sunday, extending their home unbeaten streak to nine games entering Friday’s night conference opener.
Midfielder Alex Ruiz, who currently leads the Cats with five goals thus far this season, recorded the 14th hat-trick in Kentucky’s program history in the mid-week game last week against Detroit Mercy, propelling the Wildcats to their third win of 2025.
The Wildcats will also look to continue their impressive run of form on the defensive end of the pitch, allowing just two goals through five games and keeping three clean sheets against Bellarmine, UCLA and Detroit Mercy.
After the meetings with UCF, the Wildcats upcoming schedule features one more match at The Bell vs. UCF on Friday before heading back out on the road for a pair of matchups against No. 6 Louisville and Coastal Carolina.
UCF will open their 2025 Sun Belt Conference slate Friday night in Lexington coming off the heels of a 2-0 win at home over Jacksonville. The Knights boast a balanced offensive attack, featuring three players with two goals this season in forwards Clarence Awoudor and Lilian Ricol and defender Jem Hewlett.
Kickoff for Kentucky vs. UCF is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET tomorrow night, with the match streaming on ESPN+. The promotional theme for the match is military appreciation night, honoring all of our active and former service members. Admission to all 2025 Kentucky home soccer matches is free to all fans.
For the latest on the Kentucky men’s soccer team, follow @UKMensSoccer on X, Facebook and Instagram, as well as on the web at UKAthletics.com.
