Kentucky women’s soccer (1-0) beat Central Michigan (0-1) by a score of 2-0 on Thursday night in the team’s season opener.

Both offenses struggled for most of the first half until freshman Sydni Fink tapped in a goal off of a rebound to give the Wildcats a 1-0 lead going into the half.

“I think with the first goal, no matter who scored it, I think it was just more, we got the goal, now we’re set and we can try to get the next one more so than worrying about defending and not getting scored on,” Fink said. “I also think that freshmen being involved with the goal got everyone very pumped, and everyone just wanted the next  one.”

In the second half, the Cats extended their lead to 2-0 after another freshman goal, this time by Alexis Tylenda off assists by Grace Phillpotts — the only returner that contributed to scoring — and Ashley Mekitarian.  

“Hopefully it boosts their confidence,” Kentucky head coach Troy Fabiano said.

The Cats dominated the rest of the second half defensively as they did not give up a single shot throughout the entire period.

The Cats’ defense ultimately allowed them to hold onto their lead for the rest of the game, giving them the 2-0 victory.

“So excited for the start, because you know how it is in the beginning, it’s always a little bumpy, a little bit rough,” Fabiano said. “So happy with the 2-0 win.”

The Wildcats will look to continue their momentum against Morehead State on Sunday, August 18, at the Wendell and Vickie Bell Soccer Complex.