The Cats face off against Transylvania (14-9-1 last year in NAIA competition) today at 5 p.m. at The Cage. The exhibition game came about because of Transy's proximity to campus and UK's desire to tune up the team before the season starts.The two teams have never played each other and so have little information about each other's squads.
"I myself don't know that much about them," Collins said. "I'm really not that concerned about them, I'm more concerned about what I'm going to see from our own players."
The fact that Transy's campus backs up to UK's undoubtedly played a major part in the decision to stage the game.
"Nobody has to travel very far and it does create some local interest," Collins said.
The University of Louisville backed out of a tournament against Transy last weekend and the Pioneers' coach is also trying to give his youthful team some much-needed experience.
"This is one of the youngest teams we've ever had in my 17 years at Transy," said head coach Charlie Spiegel.
UK has a youthful team as well and has been working on coming together as a cohesive unit.
"My goal is not so much to win or lose, but just to see what our younger players can do," Collins said. "It's important to play a game before you get into the heart of your season so you can take a look at different combinations of players."
The players have been scrimmaging against each other for weeks and are anxious to face another team.
"You can give players the opportunity to iron out some kinks against different opposition," Collins said. "It's a game to find out more about ourselves."
UK will face Transy with five players either out of commission or limited in playing time because of injury. Rick Dengelegi has a torn anterior cruciate ligament and is out for the year. Jamie Schuer, Sean Endicott and Michael Stickler are also all nursing injuries.
Freshman Todd Stonestreet suffered an injury to his knee, and the full extent of the damage will not be determined until an MRI is performed later today.
"We just need a little time to get people back healthy," Collins said. "By Monday or Tuesday, we should have most of the people back at 100 percent."
UK's new soccer stadium has not been completed and as a result, the first few night games have been moved to 5 p.m. starting times and will be played at The Cage.