Alabama Soccer Faces Kentucky, No. 19 Vanderbilt at Home
9/28/2005 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
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Alabama will look to get into the win column in SEC play this weekend as it plays host to Eastern Division foes Kentucky Friday and No. 19 Vanderbilt Sunday at the UA Soccer Complex.
Last weekend the Crimson Tide (6-2-1, 0-1-1 SEC) played No. 17 Florida to a 2-2 in Gainesville, FL before falling at South Carolina 2-0 on Sunday. Despite Sunday's loss, Alabama walked away from its match with Florida Friday having earned an all-important point against the Gators for the first time in school history.
Alabama's two opponents this weekend will pose quite a challenge and make for two interesting match-ups. Kentucky (5-0-5, 1-0-1 SEC) remains the SEC's only unbeaten team and will enter Friday's match riding a 10-match unbeaten streak to start the season, the longest such streak in Kentucky history. Vanderbilt (9-1-0, 2-0 SEC) has allowed just two teams to score against it all season but will have to find a way to slow down Alabama, the nation's third-ranked offense.
"After watching film, we have a great deal of respect for these two opponents," Alabama head coach Don Staley said. "One is unbeaten and the other has just one loss. We need to be prepared and organized defensively and hope to continue our success on the offensive end."
Not only is Alabama ranked third in the NCAA as an offensive unit, but the Tide also features the nation's third-ranked individual scorer, Libby Probst. Look for Vanderbilt to mark Probst with current SEC Defensive Player of the Week Kim Perkins.
"These are the kind of games we look forward to and will help enhance our chances of getting a post-season berth down the road," Staley said. "This is what SEC races are all about."
A year ago Alabama lost to both Kentucky and Vanderbilt in 1-0 decisions on the road. Kentucky scored in the closing minutes to win while Vanderbilt won in overtime. Three of the last five meetings with the Commodores have extended into overtime. The Wildcats have already played five overtime games this season.
Friday night's match with Kentucky is slated to begin at 7 p.m. and it will be "70's night" at the UA Soccer Complex. All fans are encouraged to dress in 1970's attire. A $50 gift card to Aeropostale will be awarded to the fan with the best costume at halftime. Sunday's match with Vanderbilt is scheduled for 1 p.m. Fans can also follow all the action with live stats at www.rolltide.com and can listen in at New Rock 90.7 FM. Audio can also be found on the internet at www.bcmonsters.com.
