Kentucky women’s soccer released its 2024 schedule on Monday, unveiling an 18-match regular season that promises thrilling competition and key matchups. The Wildcats will open their season at the Bell Soccer Complex on August 15 against Central Michigan, and will face eight teams that participated in the NCAA Tournament last season, including a high-profile non-conference clash with the 2022 NCAA Champions, UCLA.
Preseason Warm-ups
Before the regular season kicks off, the Wildcats will play two exhibition matches. They will host Lexington Sporting on August 3 and Xavier on August 10, providing a good warm-up for the team.
Home Stand to Start the Season
The regular season opener on August 15 will see Kentucky take on Central Michigan at home. They will continue their home stand against Morehead State, the 2023 Ohio Valley Tournament Champions, on August 18.
Facing Unfamiliar Foes
Following their initial matches, the Wildcats will face Detroit Mercy on August 22 at the Bell Soccer Complex, marking the first encounter between the two teams since 1997. This will be followed by a historic first meeting with Jacksonville State on August 25.
On the Road
Kentucky’s first road game is set for September 1 against Illinois, a return match from last year’s home-and-home series that saw the Wildcats secure a 1-0 victory in Lexington. The team will then return home to play Murray State on September 5, after defeating the Racers 2-1 on the road last season.
Marquee Matchup with UCLA
One of the most anticipated games of the season will be against the 2023 Pac-12 Champion and NCAA Tournament No. 1 seed, UCLA. This significant matchup is scheduled for September 8 in Lexington, marking the first meeting between the two teams since the second round of the NCAA Tournament in 2013.
Wrapping Up Non-Conference Play
The Wildcats will conclude their non-conference schedule by hosting Kent State on September 13, another first-time opponent for Kentucky.
SEC Competition
Kentucky’s Southeastern Conference (SEC) campaign will commence on September 19 with a home game against the Florida Gators. This is the first of five home SEC matches for the Wildcats, who will also host defending SEC Tournament Champion Georgia on September 26, LSU on October 10, Auburn on October 18, and Tennessee on October 27.
On the road, the Wildcats will face South Carolina on September 22, SEC newcomer Oklahoma on September 29, Alabama on October 4, Vanderbilt on October 13, and Mississippi State on October 24.
SEC Tournament
The 2024 SEC Soccer Tournament, which will include the top 12 teams based on regular-season standings, is scheduled to be held in Pensacola, Florida in November.
Building on Success
Head coach Troy Fabiano, entering his third year, aims to build on the success of the 2023 campaign. Last season, Kentucky earned its most points in SEC play since 2014 and qualified for the conference tournament for the first time since 2015.
Details on match times and television broadcasts will be announced at a later date. With a challenging schedule ahead, the Wildcats are set to make an impact this season.
