Cats to open up new soccer stadium against Indiana
By Jill Erwin
Staff Writer
The UK men's soccer team plans on being an ungracious host for the opening of the new stadium tonight. It may not be an easy task, considering the Cats' opponent is one of the most successful teams in the NCAA: No. 4 Indiana Hoosiers.The Hoosiers come into the game at 8-2-2 and hope to play spoiler to UK's housewarming."This is going to be a very big test for us," UK coach Ian Collins said. "They possess outstanding talent."
Collins also didn't rule out the possibility of IU sending as many as six players to the professional ranks from this team. The team that came to Lexington two years ago sent five members to Major League Soccer this season.
"They have tremendous attacking players, the likes of which have never been seen before in Lexington," Collins said.
One of those attacking players is Dema Kovalenko, a 5-foot-8 freshman out of Rochester, New York. Kovalenko has scored ten goals in only 770 minutes and also has two assists for a total of 22 points.
The Hoosiers are led by head coach Jerry Yeagley, who is entering his 23rd season at the helm. They are coming off an 11-1 demolition of Northwestern on Sunday. They took 36 shots to Northwestern's five.
Obviously, the Hoosiers are a team to be taken seriously, and the Wildcats have definite concerns heading into the contest. Number one is defense.
"Their strength is in their forwards and their midfield players," Collins said. "We will get punished in this game if we make stupid mistakes."
Like a song on a broken record player, everyone repeats: UK is at a height disadvantage. However, Collins is not disturbed by this.
"Size against this team is not a factor," he said. "This will not be a game where their game plan is to play the ball in the air."
Kentucky is understandably an underdog against IU. The Wildcats are in their sixth season, while Indiana has been around for close to 30 years. Collins has called them "the model program for college soccer".
"If we were to compare it to basketball, they are like Kentucky," Collins said. "They're that rich in tradition."
Notes:
tUK's seniors are starting a new era in their careers. After playing over three years at the Cage, the players are now being transported to the new field on Alumni Drive. They are excited about the opportunity, but will miss the Cage nonetheless.
"The Cage has been a good place for us," Toby McComas said. "The people are so close to the field, and when you get a packed house, it's a good place to play."
Goalkeeper David Muse agreed with McComas' statement. "The bleachers are spread out and they extend almost the whole length of the field (at the Cage)," he said. "The fans could really get on the other team."
Defender Greg Lobring praised the new stadium, but still hopes for a continuation of some sort.
"Anyone who's seen the new field, I don't think there's a question as to which one they would rather be playing on," he said. "I hope we can carry the great atmosphere over to the new field."
Prior to tonight's game, Lexington radio station 104.5, The Cat, will be doing a live remote. There will be food, music and prizes from 5 p.m.-6:30p.m. The first 100 fans through the gate will receive a free T-shirt.
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