Before I did the research for this preview, I was convinced the Kentucky team spent their time racing horses, playing bluegrass, and eating fried chicken. Although this was a really comical image, I’m pleased to report that it was completely incorrect. In fact the Wildcats placed third in the competitive Conference USA last season. (If you’re confused, the SEC doesn’t sponsor men’s soccer, so the Wildcats and South Carolina Gamecocks compete in Conference USA.)
The Wildcats were predicted to improve on that this season, and they have. Junior defender Brad Walker, at 6’4″, anchors an experienced and physical back line who are tough to beat in the air, so the Bluejays will likely need to rely on their ground game in this match. They’ll also have to deal with midfielders Josh Mulvaney and Jordan Rose, who are as good a duo as any in the C-USA. Along with the defensive front, Kentucky has been able to put together an impressive attack behind sophomore Tyler Riggs, who’s leading the nation in points and was last week’s C-USA Player of the Week.
Creighton won the only previous meeting with Kentucky 4-1 on Sept. 6, 2002 at the Furman Invitational in Greenville, S.C. An unranked Creighton team beat the 19th-ranked Wildcats at the neutral site event. This will be Creighton’s first match against a top 25 opponent this season. The Bluejays are 15-2-1 against top 25 competition at Morrison Stadium.
Kentucky is second in the nation in total goals and they face a Bluejay team that leads the NCAA in fewest goals allowed: zero. The Wildcats are as athletic as any team in the country, and are likely to try to outpace the Bluejays on their own field. Tonight could be a big test for the Jays, as they ride not only their undefeated record into the game, but their seven-game shutout streak as well. This should be a good match-up on a beautiful night in Omaha. Come out to Morrison Stadium and support the Bluejays with the 7:00 p.m. start.
If you can’t be at the game, follow the Live Stats on the Gametracker, or follow the stats on your mobile device through GoCreightonStats.