By Jordan Ondrof

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No. 16 University of Kentucky women’s soccer team is set to take on unranked UNC Greensboro at 5 p.m. on Friday. Both teams are looking to bounce back from losses and earn an out of conference win.

Kentucky

1-1-0

Ranking: 16

Goals scored: 1

Goals against: 2

Average shots per game: 10

Average Shots on goal: 4

Player to watch: Zoe Swift

Zoe Swift was able to get behind the back line of San Diego State multiple times on Sunday night but was unable to finish her chances. Swift came out of the game in the second half after a hard tackle right outside of the box. She came back into the game soon after the injury with her left elbow wrapped. The possible injury could affect her play against UNC Greensboro on Friday. In order for the cats offense to be successful, Swift needs to continue to use her speed to put the defense on their heels but needs to find a way to put the ball into the back of the net.

Preview: The Cats are the better team in this matchup but that does not guarantee a win. UK beat No. 20 Washington 1-0 in its season opener but lost 2-0 to unranked San Diego State two days later. Head coach Jon Lipitz was noticeably frustrated with his teams play on Sunday night.

“I would like to say I was surprised, but frankly with the issues we’ve had the last couple of days with our preparation and our leadership, I’m not stunned,” Lipsitz said after the game. “San Diego State earned the win today and we earned the loss.”

The midfield was unable to keep possession in the first half, looking unsure and unconfident with the ball on their foot. Maintaining possession in the midfield throughout the game is key for the Cats moving forward. UK’s backline needs to communicate more and avoid mistakes that lead to turnovers. Preparation is key for the Cats moving forward. In order to have a successful season, they cannot underestimate their opponents or lose possession of the ball in the midfield.

UNC Greensboro

0-2-0

Ranking: N/A

Goals scored: 2

Goals against: 5

Average shots per game: 13

Average shots on goal: 7.5

Player to watch: Chesney White

The senior forward scored 15 goals last season for the Spartans. She has scored 26 goals in her time at UNC Greensboro and is poised to add to that total her senior season. The captain is a dangerous attacking player, using her speed to get behind backlines. White said that the game she was most looking forward to this summer was UK. She will be at the top of her game and hungry to find the back of the net. The Cats defense will need to have a mistake-free game to keep a White from getting her first goal of the season.

Preview: UNC Greensboro is likely to come out attacking strong in the first 10 minutes to try to get an early goal. The Spartans are returning nine starters from last season and have five starting seniors. They finished 9-8-3 last season and are ranked 9^th in the Southern conference. The Spartans will put a lot of pressure on the Cats defense as they take an average of 13 shots per game. White and the rest of the Spartans offense will be hungry for goals on Friday night.