Men’s soccer looks to stay undefeated in conference play
Kentucky freshman Stefan Stojkovic brings the ball up the field during the University of Kentucky vs. Belmont men’s soccer game at the Wendell and Vickie Bell Soccer Complex in Lexington, Ky., on Sunday, August 31, 2014. Photo by Jonathan Krueger
October 22, 2015
By Brendan Hill
The UK men’s soccer team is back in action at 7 p.m. Saturday as it travels to Norfolk, Va., looking to stay undefeated in C-USA against No. 26 Old Dominion. The Cats are coming off a big conference win against South Carolina last weekend behind Callum Irving’s record setting shutout game. The defense has been clicking on all cylinders and will try to keep the momentum going against the Monarchs.
UK
8-3-1
Ranking: 16
Goals scored: 21
Goal allowed: 9
Average shots per game: 11.8
Average shots on goal: 4.6
Preview
The Cats got a big win last weekend against a ranked South Carolina team who was undefeated in C-USA play. The win instead kept UK undefeated in C-USA play, and allowed the team to regain momentum after the loss against Ohio State. Irving got his 23rd career clean sheet to become the all-time record holder at UK. In Saturday’s game against Old Dominion, look for UK to keep the defensive mentality going and try to get another clean sheet. Also look for them to keep it a little slow paced like they have done the past few games and as the Cats look for good opportunities to attack and not just settle for anything. It will be a tough matchup for UK taking on a conference opponent on the road, but the Cats will look to stay undefeated in conference play nonetheless.
Player to Watch: Jordan Wilson
The junior defender scored his first goal of the season this past Sunday in the 31st minute against South Carolina, which ended up being the game winning goal. He scored the goal off a free kick by heading it in, giving UK momentum which carried on the rest of the game. The defense has been playing great lately, with Jordan being one of the keys to success. Look for Wilson to keep the defense playing well in this game and attack a little more after getting his first goal of the season last game.
Old Dominion
7-2-1
Ranking: 14
Goals scored: 23
Goals allowed: 10
Average shots per game: 15.8
Average shots on goal: 7.2
Preview
Old Dominion is coming off a tough 2-1 loss to Florida International, which was just their second loss of the season and their first loss in C-USA play. Look for them to come out fired up and eager to get back on track in front of their home crowd. They have been an offensive power averaging 15.8 shots per game, so they are going to attack the UK defense early and often. Like UK, the Monarchs also have a solid defense to back up their offense, making them the perfect one-two punch. Old Dominion will be looking to give UK its first conference loss and will try to get back in the conversation for the top team in C-USA.
Player to watch: David Macsicza
The senior defender has scored in Old Dominion’s last two games, giving him a big confidence boost on both defense and offense. The goals were his first of the season and though the last one came in a loss, look for him to still be energized at the beginning of the game. Old Dominion gets a lot of shots on goal, so watch for Macsicza to get his opportunities and keep his goal streak alive. The defense has been exponential for them this season, with Macsiza being an anchor.
