By Boyd C.M. Hayes | Assistant sports editor

bhayes@kykernel.com

On a Wednesday night with temperatures hovering in the 40s, UK men’s soccer played the University of Tulsa to a 0-0 draw at the UK Soccer Complex.

The Cats battled to their second draw in conference play this season.

While the Cats’ defense completed a shutout, their offense was unable to find the back of the net.

“I thought the guys really worked hard. I think it was a good game defensively,” UK head coach Johan Cedergren said. “I thought the guys battled hard today, and you can tell that it really matters to them, so I’m proud of their work today.”

In an evenly-matched first half, both teams found opportunities at goal, with the Cats (4-7-2, 1-2-2 Conference USA) taking four shots while the Golden Hurricane took three. UK’s first-half offense, however, was hindered by five offsides calls, keeping the match scoreless going into the half.

Tulsa (7-5-2, 2-3-1 Conference USA) controlled possession for the majority of the second half, earning eight second-half corner kicks, but the Cats’ defense kept the Golden Hurricane out of goal.

A large portion of credit for UK’s second-half shutout is due to sophomore goalkeeper Callum Irving’s six saves.

“That was a physical game,” Cedergren said. “There were lots of set pieces where I think they were trying to screen and block (Irving) off, and he fought through it and got the ball, so I thought he did a really great job.”

Much like the first half, UK was unable to capitalize on its opportunities due to three more offsides flags from the referee.

The Cats’ failure to score along with their defensive stand resulted in a 0-0 game after 90 minutes, sending the match into sudden-death overtime.

The two 10-minute overtime periods looked much like the second half, as Tulsa kept the ball on the Cats’ half of the pitch. UK did take two shots in the second overtime period, but neither was on goal.

After 120 minutes of soccer, the final whistle declared the match a 0-0 draw.

Irving finished the game with a career-high seven saves, recording his fourth shutout of the season.

“I’m just doing what I can to help the team,” Irving said. “Today I had to make a few saves, and I’m happy that I was able to contribute to this draw and contribute to our success today.”

Sophomore defender Isak Krogstad, freshman midfielder Napo Matsoso and freshman forward Ryan Creel each took two shots on the night, leading the Cats. UK took 10 shots overall.

Tulsa took 17 shots in the match, including seven on goal. Junior defender Tony Rocha led the Golden Hurricane with four shots on goal, while both Rocha and sophomore forward Cristian Mata took five shots, leading the team.

“I think if this can be our base structure, and that’s how we defend and that’s how hard we work, and then if we can do a little more work on the ball, then I think we’re going to have a great time these last five games,” Cedergren said.

The Cats will stay in Lexington over the weekend, playing Florida International University in a conference matchup at 7 p.m. Saturday.

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