No. 20 Kentucky women’s soccer (8-0-0) will kick off Southeastern Conference play at the Bell Soccer Complex tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. against Florida (3-1-4). The match will be televised on SECN+.
The Wildcats, who climbed one spot in the latest United Soccer Coaches rankings, come into the match riding a program-best eight-game winning streak after defeating Kent State 3-1 last Thursday. Goals from seniors Maddie Kemp, Grace Phillpotts, and Sophia Mattice highlighted a memorable senior night for the Wildcats.
Through eight games this season, Kentucky has dominated both ends of the field, outscoring opponents 18-3 and outshooting them 156-43, with 60 of those shots on target. While the offense ranks in the top 20 nationally in shots per game (19.50), goalkeeper Marz Josephson and the defense have been equally impressive, ranking in the top 15 in goals against average (0.375).
Florida arrives in Lexington after a 0-0 draw against Florida Gulf Coast on Sunday. The Gators have had a tough start to the season with three wins and four draws in eight non-conference games, though they’ve still managed to outscore their opponents 10-6 and outshoot them 116-46.
Thursday’s match will mark the 36th meeting between the two programs. Kentucky holds a 5-25-5 all-time record against the Gators, with a 4-8-2 record at home. The Wildcats’ last home win against Florida came on November 6, 2020, with a 3-1 victory featuring goals from Jordyn Rhodes and a brace from Hannah Richardson.
