Kentucky women’s soccer (1-0-0) kicked off the 2024 season with a strong performance, defeating Central Michigan (0-1-0) 2-0 on Thursday night at the Bell Soccer Complex. The win marks the third consecutive season that Head Coach Troy Fabiano has secured a season-opening victory since taking over the program in 2022.
Freshmen Shine in Collegiate Debuts
Freshmen Sydni Fink and Alexis Tylenda made immediate impacts in their collegiate debuts, each scoring a goal to help the Wildcats secure the win. Fink and Tylenda were two of four new additions to the team this year who stood out in the match. Freshmen Anna Sikorski and Ashley Mekitarian also contributed with assists, along with senior Grace Phillpotts. Graduate student goalkeeper Marz Josephson earned her first clean sheet of the season, providing a solid foundation at the back.
First Half Breakthrough
The Wildcats applied constant pressure on the Chippewas’ defense for the first 40 minutes, launching multiple attacks. The breakthrough came in the 41st minute during a scramble in front of Central Michigan’s goal. A cross from Maddie Eastman found Sikorski in the middle of the box, forcing a save from CMU’s Allison LaPoint. The rebound fell to the far post, where Fink was waiting to pounce, slotting the ball into the net for her first collegiate goal.
Second Half Assurance
Kentucky doubled their lead in the second half, thanks to a well-executed play from Phillpotts. Standing 25 yards from goal on the near side, Phillpotts delivered a perfectly placed cross over the top of the defense, which Tylenda finished with composure to put the Wildcats up 2-0.
Looking Ahead
With the win, Kentucky improves to 1-0-0 on the season and now turns their attention to in-state rival Morehead State. The Wildcats will host Morehead State at the Bell Soccer Complex on Sunday, August 18, at 7:30 p.m. as they look to build on their positive start to the 2024 campaign.
