The freshman forward recorded the Aces’ lone goal on a 72’ penalty kick
The University of Evansville men’s soccer team (2-8) was defeated 4-1 at #20 University of Kentucky (7-2-1) on Wednesday night. Playing just 20 minutes from his hometown of Midway, freshman forward Zac Blaydes netted his first career goal on a 72nd minute penalty kick. The Purple Aces are back at home on Saturday, Oct. 10 against Bradley.
“UK is coming off an NCAA appearance and are having a strong season,†said Evansville head men’s soccer coach Marshall Ray. “Against teams of this caliber, we have to be performing at our best for 90 minutes. Tonight, we did not and we paid the price for our mistakes…There are things to build on, but we must limit our mental errors heading into Saturday’s Valley match against Bradley.â€
UK went ahead on a 25th minute goal from sophomore midfielder Kevin Barajas. Evansville was looking for the equalizer in the 31st minute but a shot from sophomore midfielder Ian McGrath sailed high.
Down 1-0, UE kept the deficit from growing larger in the 37th minute when sophomore defender Chris Shuck headed a ball off the endline. The Wildcats would push the lead to two with a 44th minute goal just prior to halftime.
Up by a pair of scores, Kentucky added goals in the 57th and 67th minutes for the 4-0 advantage. Blaydes recorded his first goal just minutes later. It was the first penalty kick for the Purple Aces this season.
Blaydes, McGrath and senior forward Nate Opperman all had a team-high two shots in the contest. Freshman goalkeeper Greg Niven made three saves.
The Aces host Bradley this Saturday at Arad McCutchan Stadium at 2:00 p.m. CDT. As part of the doubleheader, the UE women’s soccer team will hold Senior Day festivities and play Drake at 6:00 p.m. CDT.
INFO: For all of the latest information on University of Evansville athletics, log on to the sport page on GoPurpleAces.comor follow the program on Twitter via @UEAthletics.
