Kentucky MSOC def Xavier 2-0 To Advance in NCAA Tournament

In a thrilling match at Corcoran Field on Thursday evening, the Kentucky men’s soccer team secured a decisive 2-0 victory over Xavier, advancing to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The standout performance was highlighted by a brace from forward Ben Damge, solidifying the Wildcats’ position in the postseason.The Wildcats, with a record of 8-7-4 (3-3-3 Sun Belt), showcased their prowess against Xavier (9-3-6, 4-1-3 Big East) in a match that demonstrated their resilience and determination. Head coach Johan Cedergren, in his 12th season leading the program, steered Kentucky to its fifth consecutive second-round appearance, marking the program’s 14th NCAA Tournament appearance in history.The action-packed game unfolded with goalkeeper Casper Mols making a crucial save in the first 15 minutes, setting the tone for the Wildcats. In the 26th minute, Ben Damge, in coordination with freshman Josh Gordon, netted his first goal of the night, providing Kentucky with a 1-0 lead.Entering halftime with the advantage, the Wildcats displayed a solid defensive performance, recording four shots and one save.The second half witnessed Kentucky’s unwavering focus to secure the win. In the 68th minute, Damge, affectionately nicknamed “The Hammer” by Coach Cedergren, delivered his second goal of the night, extending the lead to 2-0. The goal resulted from a free kick into the box, with freshman Marqes Muir playing a pivotal role in the build-up.The contest concluded with Kentucky tallying eight total shots and Mols making two critical saves, earning him his seventh clean sheet of the sophomore season. Mols, with a record of 8-5-4 on the year, has been a key component of the Wildcats’ defensive stability.The victory over Xavier adds another chapter to the all-time series record between the two programs, with Kentucky now holding a 9-5-3 advantage. The Cats and Musketeers first clashed in 2000, with Xavier securing a 3-1 win.Kentucky’s journey in the NCAA Tournament continues as they set their sights on South Bend, Indiana. On Sunday, they will face Notre Dame at 5 p.m., seeking to build on their momentum and progress further in the pursuit of championship glory. The Wildcats, fueled by their recent success, remain determined to leave an indelible mark on the tournament and etch their names in the annals of Kentucky soccer history.