Sept. 13, 2009

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Kentucky's Matt Lodge scored twice as the Wildcats topped Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 2-1 in men's college soccer.

The Cougars fell to 1-3 with the loss at the U of L Tournament. The Wildcats improved to 4-0.

Randy Roy and Zach Bauer were selected to the All-Tournament team. SIUE coach Kevin Kalish said he was happy with the team's play today.

"Each game we're getting better and better," said Kalish.

SIUE held the lead early when Kevin Bielicki beat Kentucky goalkeeper Dan Williams with a pass from Sebastian Leon. Bielicki put SIUE ahead at 23:12.

Kalish said Bielicki's goal was the result of some good passing in the middle third to set up the play, but the finish made all of the combinations worth it.

"He (Bielicki) did well to put it away. It was a great finish," Kalish added.

Kentucky evened the score on Lodge's first goal at 26:11. Lodge connected after a missed shot by the Wildcats.

The Wildcats, which outshot SIUE 14-5, got the eventual game-winner at 58:48 when Lodge scored on a free kick.

"Oustide of those two restarts, we did a good job of matching up with them," Kalish said. "I'm proud of our effort. We're making progress."

The Cougars play twice next week with a 7 p.m. home game Friday against Columbia (Mo.) College before heading to Columbus, Ohio, to take on the Buckeyes of Ohio State Sunday at 2:30 p.m.

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