#18 Kentucky Women's Soccer Drops First Match of the Season

Kentucky Women’s Soccer got handed its first loss on Sunday.

On Sunday afternoon at The Bell, the No. 18 UK Women’s Soccer team (8-1-5) took on fellow SEC competitor Mississippi State (9-3-3). Following a hard-fought and scoreless first half, the Bulldogs came out stronger in the second half resulting in the ‘Cats first loss on the season.

Kentucky came into the Sunday match ranked #18, and maintained their spot in the Top 25 for the second week in a row.

Hot streak ‘Cats turn cool

Although the Wildcats have been on a hot streak, they came out looking cool against Mississippi State. Each time the team would look to gain momentum, the Bulldogs were right there to stop them in their tracks and take over possession.

The ‘Cats struggled to get shots in the first half and came up shot-less and scoreless after the first 45. On the other hand, the Bulldogs came out of the first half with five shot attempts, but still no goals because of the superb play from UK keeper Marz Josephson. Josephson ended the first half with three saves which sent both teams into the locker room stuck at nil-all.

Marz with three saves thus far including this beauty!

30' | UK 0, MSST 0#WeAreUK 🔵😺⚽️ pic.twitter.com/6wyH02pVKy

— Kentucky Women's Soccer (@UKWomensSoccer) October 15, 2023

Second half woes

The second half got off to a rocky start for Kentucky as an own goal was sent into the Bulldogs goal to give Mississippi State a fast 1-0 lead in the 49′. Even though things started rough, the Wildcats pulled it together and gained momentum on the offensive end by getting some shots off.

UK was pushing the ball down the field and having luck when it came to getting near the goal, but finding the back of the net was an issue. The problems for the ‘Cats were coming from off-target kicks and the Bulldog’s keeper, Maddy Anderson.

Some offensive pressure leads to a chance for Úlfarsdóttir.

70' | UK 0, MSST 1#WeAreUK pic.twitter.com/SwDAHkW3tn

— Kentucky Women's Soccer (@UKWomensSoccer) October 15, 2023

Still down 1-0, Kentucky was looking for an equalizer score later into the second half. Unfortunately for the Wildcats, Mississippi State put a damper on their plans to come back in the 79′. A late goal from the Bulldogs gave them a 2-0 lead and put the ‘Cats in a crunch to score two in ten minutes.

Anderson was wreaking havoc in goal for UK as she had three saves in the second half to shut the undefeated Wildcats down. No luck on offense and poor defense in the second half led to Kentucky getting handed their first loss on the season by the Bulldogs.