By Kelsey Mattingly

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UK will look to lock in one last win on Saturday in its final home game of the season against the Florida International University Panthers. The Cats, fresh from a three-game winning streak, will be honoring two graduating seniors in what will be their last match at The Bell and before entering tournament play. UK will receive a bye in its first game in the SEC Tournament for finishing first in the Conference.

UK

11-3-2

The Cats are unbeaten in its last five matches, most recently dominating Detroit 4-0 in an offensive annihilation. Offense will be key to defeating FIU. With star Stefan Stojkovic out with an injury from the Detroit match, the team will rely on Sam Miller and Hampus Agerstrom who have been scoring and playing well in recent games.

If outside back Tanner Hummel can continue to get forward as he has been lately, there’s a chance we will see a goal from him as well come Saturday. Scoring has been UK’s strong suit in their matches and adds hope that the thrill of Senior Night will be the extra spark the team needs to come out and run over FIU early.

Look for senior goalkeeper Callum Irving to make the team’s 10^th shutout of the season and senior midfielder Kristoffer Tollefsen, back from a knee injury, to come in with big plays Saturday night.

Player to watch: Sam Miller

Junior forward Sam Miller saw his second start of the season in UK’s game against Detroit, scoring the first goal of the game 16 minutes in. Miller has scored two goals in the last three matches, and a goal in each of the three games he’s most recently played in.

After seeing minutes in only six games this season, Miller has proven to have a lot of potential and grit on the offensive end. If he sees minutes this game, which is more likely than not especially after Stojkovic’s injury, it’s not a stretch to think he will be a key scorer in the match. The Panthers’ defense hasn’t been a threat in its recent games, which will give Miller more room to shine.

FIU

9-5-1

The FIU Panthers just came off of their Senior Night on Halloween Night where they tied, 0-0, with New Mexico and are looking to avenge its loss with a victory against the Cats. In the Panthers’ last match, the team held its opponent to only five shot attempts.

If FIU can bring their defensive strength to The Bell, the team might have a shot at showing up the Cats on their senior night. FIU is versatile in setting up shot attempts. With a UK goalkeeper who hasn’t had to see much action in the last few games, this could be the Panthers’ chance to make a goal.

It’s going to be a battle of offenses in this match, as both teams have proven to take their fair share of shots at the net. Look for the Panthers to give it their all in one last stab at a 10-win season.

Player to watch: Brad Fountain

Sophomore midfielder Brad Fountain will be one to watch come Saturday. Averaging slightly more than two shots per game, Fountain is one of FIU’s biggest offensive threats. He was the leader of his team against New Mexico with four shot attempts and one shot on goal. Fountain has scored in three of his matches this year, and could be looking to make this final regular season match his game. With the motivation of a potential upset on the Cats’ Senior Night, Fountain has the potential to be a breakout player and lead his team to a victory if the UK defense cannot contain his attempts.