No. 5 Kentucky men's soccer victorious against Louisville in top 10 matchup

No. 5 Kentucky handled business against No. 10 Louisville in a 3-2 win Tuesday night at the Bell Soccer Complex in Lexington. The victory for UK over their in-state foe moves them to 4-0 on the year.

This was the 28th meeting between the ‘Cats and the Cards, with the last one coming in September 2021 where Kentucky won 3-1 in Louisville. The visitors were also undefeated heading into tonight, but Kentucky’s inspiring performance was too much for Louisville. Kentucky has won three straight against UL and leads the all-time series 15-8-5.

Kentucky conceded its first goal of the year early in the match on a corner that was whipped in and Louisville’s Josh Jones got his head on. Kentucky’s number nine, Eythor Bjorgolfsson, attempted to clear the ball but headed it into his team’s own net.

Eythor’s Sweet Revenge

If you blinked while watching this game, you would end up missing something. About two minutes after his own goal, Bjorgolfsson leaped high in the air and met Casper Grening’s cross. The striker’s header was buried into the back of the net and the game was tied 1-1.

Bjorgolfsson was back on the scoresheet tonight after he missed a penalty two games ago versus Seattle.

“I’ve been very good at being mindful and getting support from my teammates, from the coaching staff. I believe that I’m the best striker in the country and they believe that as well. So, at the end of the day, that’s what I’m doing,” Bjorgolfsson said after the game.

GOAAAAAL KENTUCKY

13′ | Bjorgolfsson with the first UK goal of the night, assisted by Grening!!

UK: 1
UL: 1#WeAreUK | #GBED pic.twitter.com/G46Ks1nb9D

— Kentucky Men’s Soccer (@UKMensSoccer) September 6, 2022

Stupendous After the Break

If you went to get a snack at the half, you shouldn’t have. One minute into the second half and Kentucky hit a groove. Enzo Mauriz sent a perfectly timed ball to Nick Gutmann, and Gutmann slotted it away with a composed right-footed finish.

Mauriz seemed to be everywhere in the second half. He created chances, tracking back and winning the ball if it was given away.

“There was just space that we could exploit and you know I was just trying to be a good teammate, trying to be there for my family… I’ll do that any day of the week,” Mauriz said about his tireless performance.

With 15 minutes left in the second half, Kentucky got some insurance after Louisville started to look more and more dangerous. Grening chipped the Louisville goalie, and the ‘Cats were suddenly up 3-1. The Bell was rocking and the sky was filled with blue flares from the student section.

GOAAAAAAAAAAAL KENTUCKY

73′ | Grening scores his second goal in two games to make it 3-1 Wildcats!! His left-footed score was unassisted.#WeAreUK | #GBED pic.twitter.com/9H8NWQv6Tx

— Kentucky Men’s Soccer (@UKMensSoccer) September 7, 2022

The Cardinals got a goal back about five minutes later but it was not enough. Kentucky picked up its first ranked win of the season and kept its undefeated record.

Next up for the ‘Cats, is a trip to the Sooner State. Kentucky will be on the road for the first time this year when they take on Tulsa on Sunday, Sep. 11.