BOX SCORE

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The University of Evansville men’s soccer team could not solve Kentucky’s defensive back line Saturday night at Arad McCutchan Stadium, as the Purple Aces fell to the visiting Wildcats, 2-0, in non-conference play.
 
Kentucky (4-4-0) held the Purple Aces (4-3-0)  to just six shots on the night, allowing just three in each half, while firing 18 on the offensive side of the ball.  UE’s defense was tested throughout the night, as goalkeeper Eric Teppen highlighted the effort with a season-high 11 saves.
 
The Wildcats controlled the tempo and pushed numbers forward early in the contest, taking the first five shots of the match and nearly scoring on a one-on-one opportunity created by Tyler Riggs.  Riggs made a tackle to gain possession deep in Evansville’s defensive third and fired a shot that was saved by the fingertips of Teppen.
 
Kentucky continued to pressure the UE defense and broke through in the 38th minute, when Jacob Kemper delivered a cross from the end line on the left side to the center of the box that found the foot of Riggs for a goal.  The tally was the third of the season for Riggs.
 
The Purple Aces started to threaten late in the first half, earning a trio of corner kicks in the final 90 seconds of the half, but the UK defense off the offensive outburst and retained a 1-0 lead heading into the locker room.
 
The Wildcats once again forced the issue in the second half, getting of 10 shots over the final 45 minutes of play.  Evansville held firm in the defensive third throughout much of the half, but UK got an insurance goal in the 78th minute to seal the win.  Matt Lodge finished a crossing pass from Riggs to double the UK advantage.
 
Peter May and Jesse Sharp led UE offensively with two shots each.  Riggs led all players with seven shots, including six on goal, as Kentucky had seven players combined for its 18 attempts.
 
The Purple Aces will have an eight-day layoff before returning to the pitch and attempting to end a three-game losing streak.  Evansville’s next match will be next Sunday, Sept. 30, when the Aces welcome Oral Roberts to McCutchan Stadium for a 2 p.m. tilt.