Kentucky outlasts LSU in PKs, advances to quarterfinals

PENSACOLA, Fla.– No. 7 Kentucky advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2023 SEC Soccer Tournament with a 0-0 (4-2) win over No. 10 LSU at the Ashton Brosnaham Soccer Complex. This was the program’s first SEC Tournament win since 2014.

Goalkeeper Marz Josephson made six saves in regulation, but her most important saves came from the penalty shootout as she made diving saves to keep UK’s SEC tournament champion hopes alive. First team All-SEC forward Jordyn Rhodes converted the decisive penalty to win it for the Wildcats.

The first shot on goal didn’t come until 20 minutes in as Kentucky’s Ifa lfarsdttir flew up the right flank but was denied with a kick save from LSU goalie Mollee Swift.

Both teams struggled to find a rhythm and get settled into the game as defenses continued to intercept passes in the final third to prevent scoring opportunities.

The best chance came in the final five minutes of the half off of a UK corner when Rhodes elevated above her defender, but the header went wide left, keeping the game scoreless at the half.

First Half Quick Facts:

• Seven total shots recorded (6 Kentucky, 1 LSU)
• 12 fouls committed (6 Kentucky, 6 LSU)
• Four corners by Kentucky

LSU came out aggressive in the second half and earned their first shot on target as Rammie Noel slipped behind her defender, but was denied by Josephson.

Shortly after, in the 52nd minute, LSU had a goal called back as the player was deemed offside.

In the 55th minute, the Wildcats’ center defender Maggie Henschler was booked for a second time and shown a red card, resulting in disqualification for the rest of the game.

Despite playing a woman down, Kentucky was able to find multiple counter opportunities. But LSU captain Maya Gordon made critical slide tackles to keep the game scoreless.

After both benches were issued yellow cards in the 88th minute, UK’s Tanner Strickland had an open opportunity less than six yards out but lofted it over the net, leaving the score at 0-0.

Four yellow cards were issued to the Tigers while the Wildcats received five in the span of regulation.

Second Half Quick Facts:

• LSU held the shot advantage over UK, 11-5 
• 11 fouls committed (3 Kentucky, 8 LSU)
• Kentucky played with 10 players as Henschler received a red card

Neither team was able to get on the scoreboard in the two overtime periods, resulting in a penalty shootout.

Penalty Shootout Summary:

Up Next: 

No. 7 Kentucky will take on the SEC East Division champs No. 2 Georgia on Tuesday (10/31) at 1 p.m. ET on SEC Network.