LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Kentucky men’s soccer team (4-5-5, 3-2-2 Sun Belt) is set to pay tribute to its four esteemed seniors this Friday during an exciting 7 p.m. EST showdown against the highly-ranked No. 6 Marshall Thundering Herd (9-1-4, 4-0-3 Sun Belt).
This matchup marks the conclusion of the Wildcats’ 2024 regular season homestand, providing a special opportunity to celebrate the contributions of Logan Dorsey, Eoin Martin, Martin Soereide, and Nick Zielonka.
The Wildcats are riding high into this clash after achieving an impressive 5-0 win against Coastal Carolina last Sunday, marking their largest margin of victory since a resounding 6-0 victory over Georgia Southern in 2022. Dorsey notably made headlines by scoring the team’s first hat trick since the 2022 season, earning him accolades as both the Sun Belt Conference’s Offensive Player of the Week and the NCAA Player of the Week.
In contrast, The Thundering Herd arrives in Lexington following a thrilling 3-3 draw against Georgia State last Sunday. Currently, Marshall holds a strong second position in the Sun Belt standings, whereas Kentucky occupies the fourth spot with a total of 11 conference points.
Kentucky and Marshall will continue their fiercely competitive rivalry, with an all-time series record favoring UK at 12-8-4. Their first meeting took place in 2005, and the two programs recently clashed in the 2023 Sun Belt Conference Tournament, where Marshall secured a decisive 3-0 victory in Huntington, W.Va.
Big Blue Nation is encouraged to Pack The Bell for this pivotal match, with the enticing offer of free pizza for the first 100 students in attendance. Additionally, young soccer enthusiasts under the age of 12 who wear a soccer jersey will enjoy free admission to this Friday night event.
Fans are invited to purchase single match and group tickets by clicking here. For those preferring to buy tickets on-site, they will also be available for purchase upon arrival at The Bell, with gates set to open one hour prior to kickoff.
Live stats for Friday’s contest can be accessed by clicking here, while soccer enthusiasts can also catch the action live via streaming on ESPN+.
For the most current updates on Kentucky Men’s Soccer, be sure to follow @UKMensSoccer on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram, as well as visit the official website at UKAthletics.com.
**Interview with Kentucky Men’s Soccer Coach**
**Interviewer:** Good day, Coach! Exciting times ahead for the Kentucky men’s soccer team as you prepare to face No. 6 Marshall this Friday. How are the players feeling about this crucial matchup?
**Coach:** Thank you! The team is buzzing with energy after our last win against Coastal Carolina. It’s a significant game for us, not just because of the opponent but also because we’ll be honoring our seniors. The atmosphere is fantastic, and the players are ready to give their all.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of seniors, how important is it to celebrate their contributions as you wrap up the regular season at home?
**Coach:** It’s incredibly important. Logan, Eoin, Martin, and Nick have all played vital roles in our program. They’ve demonstrated leadership on and off the field, and this match is a perfect opportunity to recognize their hard work and dedication throughout the years. We want to make it a memorable night for them.
**Interviewer:** Your team is coming off a remarkable 5-0 victory, with Dorsey scoring a hat trick. How do you plan to carry that momentum into the game against a ranked opponent like Marshall?
**Coach:** Momentum can be a double-edged sword, but we’re focusing on maintaining our sharpness and executing our game plan. The victory over Coastal Carolina was fantastic, but Marshall presents a different challenge. We’ll be looking to build on our strengths while staying disciplined defensively.
**Interviewer:** What challenges do you anticipate from the Thundering Herd, especially considering they are currently ranked sixth?
**Coach:** Marshall is a strong team with a balanced attack and solid defense. They’ve had an impressive season so far, so we expect them to be highly competitive. We’ll need to be at our best, both in terms of strategy and execution, to come away with a positive result.
**Interviewer:** what would you like to say to the fans ahead of this special night?
**Coach:** I encourage all our fans to come out and support us! Their energy can make a real difference, especially on a night where we celebrate our seniors. It promises to be an exciting match, and I know our guys will give everything they have for the win and to make the evening special.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Coach! Best of luck in the match against Marshall!
**Coach:** Thank you! Looking forward to it!
