Oct. 6, 2006
Lexington, Ky. – Kentucky forward Giuleana Lopez scored off a set piece in the 56th minute as Kentucky defeated the South Carolina women’s soccer team 1-0 on Friday evening at UK Soccer Complex. The win snaps Carolina’s seven-game unbeaten streak and drops the Gamecocks’ record to 9-4-1 and 3-1-1 in the conference. Kentucky is now 7-5-1 and 2-2 in the SEC.
“We didn’t play well tonight and we didn’t stick to what has made us successful this season,” said USC head coach Shelley Smith. “Kentucky competed and worked hard to get the result. We have to move forward and it’s important we learn from our mistakes.”
Kentucky would go ahead 1-0 early in the second half on their first shot of the match at 55:24. After a foul call against the Gamecocks, Kentucky midfielder Kelsey Fenix knocked an indirect kick into the six-yard box that was headed forward by Giuleana Lopez for a Wildcat goal. The goal for Lopez was her sixth of the season.
South Carolina would create a few chances in the second half looking for the equalizer but were unable to find the tying goal. Ashley Kirk nailed a shot from just above the 18 at 60:34 that was denied by Kentucky goalkeeper Anne Ogundele. Blakely Mattern also had a header off set piece saved on the line by Ogundele in the 65th minute of play. Carolina finished the evening with a 6-3 shot advantage.
Ogundele made three saves in goal to earn a shutout for the Wildcats. Laura Armstrong had one save in goal for the Gamecocks. South Carolina has allowed one goal or less in all 14 matches played this year.
South Carolina looks to rebound on Sunday afternoon with a road tilt at Vanderbilt. Kickoff is set for 1 pm CT with live gametracker stats available at uscsports.com.
