The Kentucky men’s soccer team (2-3-4, 1-0-2 Sun Belt) suffered a narrow 3-2 defeat against long-time rival Indiana (4-3-5, 2-1-2 B1G) on Tuesday evening at Bill Armstrong Stadium.
In a promising start for the Wildcats, senior Logan Dorsey found the back of the net in the 23rd minute, firing a right-footed shot from the top of the box that soared into the bottom right corner, catching the Hoosiers’ goalkeeper off guard. This marked Dorsey’s third goal of the 2024 season and put Kentucky ahead 1-0.
The Wildcats continued to press their advantage, and after nearly 10 minutes of back-and-forth play, they secured a corner kick. The ball was delivered into a crowd of players before popping out to freshman Bertil Alban, who set up Mateo Franzotti. The newcomer then netted his first career goal for Kentucky with a well-placed right-footed shot, extending the lead to 2-0.
Despite Kentucky’s offensive prowess, Indiana dominated possession, registering 14 shots to the Wildcats’ three in the first half. Yet, thanks to a stellar performance from goalkeeper Ryan Jack, who tied his career high with five saves, the Cats maintained their lead as the first half ended.
As the second half commenced, Kentucky appeared to be in control. However, Indiana’s Tommy Mihalic struck back in the 53rd minute, scoring with assistance from Jack Wagoner and Collins Oduro, narrowing the deficit to 2-1. Just four minutes later, Mihalic found the net again, this time assisted by Jansen Miller and Samuel Sarver, leveling the score at 2-2.
With the match hanging in the balance, the intensity ramped up until the 85th minute when Indiana’s Michael Nesci delivered the decisive blow, scoring the game-winner with a left-footed strike, assisted by Oduro, sealing the victory for the Hoosiers at 3-2.
This latest defeat extends Kentucky’s all-time series record against Indiana to 3-21-5, dating back to their first meeting in 1992. The Wildcats have managed to win only twice in Bloomington, achieving victories in 1995 and 2022.
Looking ahead, Kentucky will return to The Bell Soccer Complex on Friday to continue Sun Belt play against Old Dominion. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. EST, coinciding with Alumni Weekend. At halftime, the Cats will honor the lives and legacies of two esteemed Kentucky men’s soccer alumni, Jason Bell and Jamal Shteiwi.
Big Blue Nation can secure single match, group, and season tickets through the official website or purchase them at the gate, which opens one hour prior to kickoff.
