Late surges not enough as Vols tie Wildcats

Tennessee soccer traveled to Lexington Friday night to take on Kentucky and ended up leaving with a 2-2 draw after two overtimes.

Junior Ariel Kupritz had a shot hit the back of the net to tie up the game late in regulation for the Vols (9-6-1, 4-2-1 SEC). She now has two goals in the 84th minute of play on the season.

Tennessee got onto the board first in the matchup thanks to a goal from Hannah Wilkinson in the 16^th minute, giving her six goals in the last five games.

Near the 35^th minute of play, Kentucky (4-6-4, 0-5 SEC) sophomore Sophie Babo tied up the game heading into the half. Both the Vols and Wildcats ended the first half taking three shots and having four fouls.

In the 69^th minute, Babo would once again step up for Kentucky and give them the lead 2-1 off of a converted penalty kick.

After an unsuccessful chance for either team to take the lead after Kupritz’s goal late, the teams would head to overtime where they continued to struggle.

Tennessee had a major scoring chance in from Wilkinson on a half-volley from 20 yards out. The Wildcats tried to take the lead to no avail, the same being said for the Vols heading to the end of overtime, Wilkinson trying to capitalize once more, this time on a header that went right right.

In the game, Kentucky outshot Tennessee 14-11 and outshot the orange and white 5-2 during the overtime periods. The Vols were able to get more saves throughout the game than the Wildcats did, out-saving them 3-1.

Friday marked the second-consecutive matchup between Tennessee and Kentucky that resulted in a tie.

The Vols will be back at Regal Stadium starting Thursday as they host Mississippi State in their second to last home game for the season at 7:00 p.m. ET on SEC Network +.

Edited by David Bradford

Featured image by Craig Bisacre, courtesy of Tennessee Athletics

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