Wildcats Ready for NCAA Showdown in Starkville!
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Excitement is brewing as the Kentucky Wildcats gear up for a thrilling second round of the NCAA Women’s Soccer Tournament! The No. 5-seeded Kentucky team (11-4-5, 3-3-4) will head back to Starkville, Mississippi, to face off against the No. 4-seed Notre Dame (12-3-4, 5-1-4). Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET / 2:30 p.m. CT, and the match will be available on ESPN+.
Last Game Recap: Wildcats’ Heart-Stopping Victory
The Wildcats are riding a wave of momentum after their nail-biting victory against West Virginia, where they triumphed 4-2 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw after two tense periods of extra time. The Mountaineers got off to an early lead, scoring first, but the Wildcats weren’t about to let that stand. Maddie Kemp scored a quick response, netting her fifth goal of the season just three minutes after West Virginia’s opener.
After an intense back-and-forth battle with no goals in overtime, it all came down to penalties. The Wildcats displayed nerves of steel, successfully converting all four of their penalty kicks. Meanwhile, stellar efforts from goalkeeper Marz Josephson ensured two crucial saves that propelled the team to their first NCAA tournament win in a decade! This victory is particularly sweet, marking a significant milestone for the team as they look to build on this momentum.
Notre Dame: A Formidable Foe
On the other side of the pitch, the Fighting Irish are coming off an impressive 5-1 victory against Milwaukee, showcasing their offensive prowess with five different players finding the back of the net. Leading the charge is sensational freshman forward Izzy Engle, who has racked up an astounding 17 goals this season. Clearly, Notre Dame is a team ready to make a deep run in this tournament, making this matchup even more exciting!
An Interesting History
This will not be the first meeting for the Wildcats and the Fighting Irish, but Kentucky will be hoping for a much better outcome than the last time they faced off. In their only previous encounter, Notre Dame dominated with a 9-0 victory. However, this is a new season and a brand new chance for the Wildcats to turn the tables!
A Historic Opportunity
This year marks Kentucky’s 12th appearance in the NCAA tournament, with an overall record of 3-10-3. The last time the Wildcats made it to the second round was when they claimed a 3-1 victory over Arizona State in Charlottesville, Virginia. In that year, they made history by winning both first and second rounds, which paved their way to their first-ever appearance in the Sweet 16.
What’s Next?
The winner of Friday’s match will advance to the next round, facing off against the victor of the No. 1-seed Mississippi State versus Washington match.
Stay Updated!
For fans wanting to keep tabs on this thrilling journey, be sure to follow the Wildcats on their social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and X, or check out UKathletics.com for the latest updates. The excitement surrounding Kentucky women’s soccer is palpable, and the Wildcats are ready to make their mark!
