By Arpan Dixit

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Senior captain Callum Irving recorded his third clean sheet in a row; fourth on the season in a 3-0 win against Florida Atlantic University on Sunday.

The Cats started the game as they usually do, controlling possession the first five to 10 minutes of the game, with a couple opportunities to put points on the scoreboard.

The first half ended with a 0-0 tie as the UK defense held their own, clearing any chances the Owls had inside the box.

At the beginning of the second half, UK scored the first goal of the game and kept the momentum rolling.

Freshman Xahne Reid came off the bench to score two goals and an assist. This was his first goal of the season, putting UK in a position to stay undefeated at the Bell.

“I was focusing on being more aggressive, because the assistant coach that recruited me said I should make a difference and that’s why I’m here, to make a difference,” Reid said. “It’s a big boost for my confidence because every one of us has a dream to go into the professional ranks, and that is my dream.”

Reid scored an unassisted goal from 35 yards out in the 58^th minute, driving the ball into the back of the net above FAU goalkeeper Josh Nolan.

“In the second half, if I get a shot I’m just going to hit on target and that’s what I did,” Reid said. “I’ve scored goals like that in Jamaica before even from 40 yards out.”

UK looked slightly conservative after the first goal, controlling possession and playing keep away.

Sophomore forward Stefan Stojkovic scored the second goal of the game, less than 10 minutes after the Cats first goal.

The second half proved to be too much for the Owls as the Cats defense stood tall and didn’t allow the Owls to get into a rhythm.

Junior defender Jordan Wilson was a big part of defensive effort for the Cats, only allowing two shots on goal.

“Yeah I mean it’s a great win, a great team win, to take points from another conference team is really big for us,” Wilson said. “With three clean sheets in a row going into New Mexico on the road, it sets us up really nicely for that.”

Reid capped off his impressive performance with a late goal in the 88^th minute, sealing the win for the Cats.

This is UK’s third straight win after dropping two of their first three games in the early part of the season.

The Cats record improve to 5-2-1 on the season. They take on New Mexico in Albuquerque on Sunday at 8 p.m.