By Arpan Dixit

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The UK men’s soccer team is looking to build off a big shutout win against Eastern Illinois by facing the Florida Atlantic Owls at 1 p.m. in Lexington on Sunday. The Cats scored a season-high six goals last game, whereas the Owls have scored just four goals all season. UK is looking to stay undefeated at home and continue their strong mid-season push after a rough start to the season.

UK

4-2-1

Ranking: N/A

Goals scored: 12

Goals allowed: 7

Average shots per game: 10.4

Average shots on goal: 4.1

Player to watch: Grant Mook

The sophomore defender had a great outing against Eastern Illinois. Mook scored his first two goals of the season, off the bench, just three minutes apart scoring in the 70’ minute as well as the 73’. Mook’s second goal was off a corner kick, which added to UK’s 6-0 victory over the Panthers. Don’t look for Mook to attack, as he is a primary defender, but opponents should be aware of No. 25 during set pieces and corners. Look for Mook to be more aggressive as the Cats have all the momentum heading into their next match.

Preview:

UK reached its season high in goals scored against EIU, but more importantly, allowed none. Senior Goalkeeper Callum Irving recorded his third clean sheet of the season and looks to build off a couple strong performances in the past week. The Cats have pleased Coach Johan Cedergren and don’t intend to slow down. The Owls of FAU are winless on the year in six tries, so look for the Cats to put away FAU early by being aggressive and setting up the forwards and midfielders for more scoring opportunities. Scoring six goals in a game can boost a team’s confidence and chemistry no matter the opponent, so look for the Cats to come out the same way they did against Eastern Illinois this Sunday against the Owls.

FAU

0-5-1

Ranking: N/A

Goals scored: 4

Goals allowed: 17

Average shots per game: 7.7

Average shots on goal: 2.7

Player to watch: Elijah McDonald

The junior forward has scored one of the four goals for the Owls this season. FAU has struggled all season, having yet to record a win against their six opponents in 2015. The Owls have tied once this season and have lost five times. They are a desperate team searching for a win, so look for McDonald and his teammates to attack relentlessly throughout the game. Once an opportunity opens, look for a player like McDonald to capitalize on that opportunity to score more goals. Four goals in six games will have any team frustrated and pleading for answers, but don’t expect McDonald and the Owls to give up as they will be hungry to get that first W.

Preview:

As noted before, the Owls have struggled to even score this season. All coming on the road, FAU has been shutout against UCF, Northern Illinois and Loyola-Chicago. Just because a team is winless, doesn’t mean the Cats should take any opponent lightly. FAU will try to attack early and sneak a quick goal to put UK on their toes and behind early. The Bell hasn’t been kind to opponents lately, as UK is undefeated in Lexington this season. Sunday should be an exciting matchup as you have a David and Goliath type battle. You have a UK team who is looking to build off an exciting 6-0 shutout looking for their fifth win, and you have a depleted FAU team searching for answers in any way. This game could get out of hand early, but look for the Owls to try their best to prevent that.