Wildcats Fall in 3-0 Defeat at Virginia Tech
BLACKSBURG, Va. – The Kentucky Wildcats (0-2-1) drop their second consecutive game in a 3-0 defeat at the hands of the Virginia Tech Hokies (2-1-0) on Friday night at Thompson Field in Blacksburg, Va.
In his first career start in a Kentucky uniform, goalkeeper Gilles Monti recorded his first of two saves in the match in the 6th minute to keep Virginia Tech forward Chase Vazquez off the score sheet and the score level.
The Hokies struck first in the 12th minute with a goal from defender Noe Uwimana, coming off an assist from Amir Ariely’s low cross into the box, to put the home side up 1-0 in the early going.
Kentucky freshman Thomas Berteotti came off the bench and created the first goal scoring opportunity of the match for the Wildcats in the 38th minute, forcing Virginia Tech goalkeeper Diego Dauzier into his first save of the evening to keep the scoreline at 1-0.
The Hokies took a 1-0 advantage into the halftime break, outshooting the Wildcats 6-2 in the opening 45 minutes of play.
Following the intermission, Kentucky created another quality scoring chance less than eight minutes into the half, as forward Michael Lee saw his shot from six yards out blocked by the Virginia Tech backline, leaving the Wildcats continuing their search for an equalizer.
The Hokies doubled their advantage in the 74th minute with a goal from Parker Polk, beating Monti to his near post to extend their lead to 2-0. The goal was confirmed by VAR review following a UK challenge.
The home side added a third goal in the final moments of the match, as Yanis Belatrache converted his attempt from the penalty spot after a foul from Yasha Schaerer inside the Kentucky penalty area. The match would finish 3-0 in favor of Virginia Tech, resulting in the second loss of the season for the Wildcats in their first road test.
The Wildcats will have a week off before returning home for their next match on Friday, Sept. 4 against Evansville at the Bell Soccer Complex at 7:30 p.m. ET.
For the latest on Kentucky Men’s Soccer, follow the Wildcats on X, Facebook and Instagram, and on the web at UKAthletics.com.
