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Lexington, Ky. – Kentucky men’s soccer (15-1-5, 5-0-3 Sun Belt) ended its 2022 campaign with a heartbreaking 1-2 Sweet 16 loss to Pittsburgh (11-4-5, 3-2-3 (ACC) Sunday at The Wendell and Vicki Bell Soccer Complex.
After earning the top overall No. 1 seed and a first-round bye for the first time, Kentucky made history as the only undefeated NCAA Division I men’s soccer program in the country to this point. Sunday’s loss capped an undefeated regular season, resulting in a Sun Belt Conference regular season title, and a victorious conference tournament with the Cats winning the Sun Belt Conference tournament trophy.
“I think it’s a really tough day with the way it ended,” head coach Johan Cedergren said. “We’ve had some time to reflect, so of course it’s incredibly disappointing to be out at this stage, but I thought we played really well today. We’re incredibly proud of the team and incredibly proud of the season, but at the same time, incredibly disappointed.”
Sophomore Kasper Groening was able to get UK on the scoreboard with a goal in the 52ndNd His successful shot in the minute made it 11 runsm Goal of the season. Groening finished his second year as the program’s leading goal scorer. He was assisted by senior Nick Gutman who finished the year with a total of 19 assists. He currently leads the nation in total assists and assists per game.
However, Pitt responded with an own goal in the 54th by Valentin Noelm A man down due to a red card issued in the 79th minutem Minutes later, Bertin Jacqueson scored the game-winning goal with three minutes left in regulation.
Pittsburgh began its postseason trip falling to Virginia, going 0-1 in the ACC Conference Tournament, but received a bid to the NCAA Tournament where the Panthers defeated Cleveland State 2-1 in Pittsburgh. To advance to the Sweet 16, the Panthers defeated No. 16 Akron in Ohio, 3-0. The Panthers now beat No. 1 Kentucky to advance to the quarterfinals.
Sunday’s contest was the first between Kentucky and Pittsburgh, starting a new all-time series record for the two programs that are now 0-1-0.
“Big Blue Nation was a big part of what we did this season and the reason for our success,” Cedergren said. “Thank you so much to each and every one of you.”
For the latest on Kentucky men’s soccer, follow @UKMensSoccer on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, as well as on the web at UKAthletics.com.
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