Kentucky women’s soccer (9-3-0, 3-1-0 SEC) edged out No. 25 Alabama (8-3-1, 2-2-0 SEC) with a gritty 2-1 win at home, continuing its undefeated conference record at home.
The difference-makers for Kentucky were defenders Katherine Truitt and Gabi Poretto, who scored goals in the 8th and 76th minutes of the match.
Truitt, a Lexington native and redshirt sophomore, decided to take matters into her own hands against the Tide, taking two shots on goal, including her first-half goal that opened the scoring.
Poretto, a freshman from IMG Academy, sealed the deal for the Wildcats on the penalty kick in the 77th minute.
Each club fought for possession for the full 90 minutes, as the backline controlled the tempo, creating an exciting rhythm for the match.
Alabama came out fast, which set the tone for the rest of the game and forced the Wildcats to adjust to its playing style over the first half.
Known for their dominant offense in the SEC, the Crimson Tide struggled overall due to a lack of scoring chances.
The match was physical and aggressive, with Kentucky and Alabama combining for 30 fouls.
The rough play led to numerous opportunities on both ends of the field, but also many substitutions.
Kentucky junior midfielder Tanner Strickland was forced to improvise physically while keeping up with the Crimson Tide’s game plan early on.
“Physically, we set our own tone, and we know that they are a physical team, so we have to be even more (physical), and just about holding my own, I’m a small player, so I just find my ways to get around and hold myself,” Strickland said.
During the second half, the Wildcats’ strategy changed due to momentum swings and time of possession, which limited their offensive zone time.
“We wanted to come out from the second half to change the momentum. They shifted formations, and we struggled a little bit adjusting to that. Obviously, a quick response after giving up a goal shows a lot of character about the group,” Kentucky head coach Troy Fabiano said.
With both clubs in foul trouble, Alabama made the last mistake with a foul inside the box, which ultimately cost it the game.
The Wildcats will return to action Thursday, Oct. 2, at 7 p.m. ET, traveling to Gainesville to take on the Florida Gators. The game will stream live on SEC Network+.
