Big Match Ahead for Kentucky Women’s Soccer in NCAA Tournament!
Lexington, Ky. – The excitement is buzzing as the No. 5-seeded Kentucky women’s soccer team gears up for their much-anticipated battle against the No. 4-seed Notre Dame this Friday at 3:30 p.m. ET. Fans can catch the action live on ESPN+, making it a fantastic way to stay connected with the Wildcats as they gear up for a showdown in Starkville, Mississippi.
A Thrilling Path So Far
The Wildcats have been on a rollercoaster ride this season, boasting an impressive record of 11 wins, 4 losses, and 5 draws (11-4-5, 3-3-4). They enter the second round of the NCAA tournament after a nail-biting victory over West Virginia, where the score was leveled at 1-1 after 110 minutes of intense play. The thrill didn’t stop there, as the match swung to a penalty shootout, where the Wildcats showed remarkable composure, converting all their penalties with a perfect 4 out of 4.
And let’s not forget about the hero in goal! Goalkeeper Marz Josephson stepped up big time with two significant saves, helping the team secure their first NCAA tournament win in a decade. Before this game, the Wildcats hadn’t experienced the second round since November 21, 2014, when they triumphed over Arizona State 3-1 in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Facing a Tough Opponent
However, the Wildcats won’t have an easy task ahead of them. Their opponents, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, are rolling into this match after demolishing Milwaukee with a staggering 5-1 victory in their first game of the tournament. Freshman forward Izzy Engle has been on fire, racking up 17 goals this season and tallying an impressive 35 points. With five different goal scorers in their last game, this Notre Dame team comes in with both confidence and skill.
Looking Back at the History
Kentucky is 0-1-0 all-time against Notre Dame, with the only previous meeting resulting in a 9-0 defeat on October 14. However, they’ve reportedly learned and grown immensely since that encounter.
A Chance for Historic Progress
Making their 12th appearance in the NCAA tournament, the Wildcats boast an overall record of 3-10-3. This second-round match is crucial not just for the current season but also for the legacy of the program. With only three previous matches winning at this stage, every player and fan is aware that a win could catapult them into the Sweet 16 for the first time in history.
The winner of the Kentucky vs. Notre Dame face-off will move on to face the winner of the No. 1-seed Mississippi State vs. Washington match on Sunday at 7 p.m. ET. The stakes couldn’t be higher!
