No. 18 Kentucky men’s soccer (3-0-2) tied with Bowling Green (2-2-2) by a score of 1-1 to continue its unbeaten start.

The biggest individual contributor to this start has no doubt been midfielder Alex Ruiz, who leads the team with five goals, as well as leading in total points with 11.

The offense has also been led by midfielder Bertil Alban, who has scored two goals this season including the tying goal against Bowling Green. 

Another big factor in the Cats’ success has been their defense. 

In the first five games of the season, Kentucky has only allowed two goals. The defense has also allowed just 12 shots on goal to start the season; the Cats are also tied for 14th in the country in goals allowed per game with 0.4.  

“If you look at that starting back four with Luke, Sinan, Marcus and Josh, that’s like some of the best defenders in the country,” said head coach Johan Cedergren.  

Despite the hot start, Cedergren says there are still ways to improve. 

“I think it was 27 shots or whatever, you need to score more than one goal on 27 shots,” Cedergren said. 

Kentucky is tied for ninth in the country in shots on goal per game (7.6) and tied for 25th in total shots per game (15.4). Despite this, the Cats are tied for 91st in scoring with just eight goals over their first five matches.  

Kentucky will look to continue its undefeated start on Friday, Sept. 19 as it takes on UCF at the Bell Soccer Complex. Kickoff will start at 7:30 p.m. E.T.