The best start to a season in Kentucky women’s soccer history is about to meet its toughest test yet: The Southeastern Conference.
For the first time in program history, UK has won eight straight matches to start a season. The No. 20-ranked Wildcats (8-0-0) made several impressive statements during their nonconference season.
Top among them were a home win over perennial power UCLA, a home triumph over Morehead State (a 2023 NCAA Tournament team) and a true road win at Illinois.
Through eight matches , UK has scored 18 goals — led by four goals from senior transfer forward Makala Woods — while conceding only three times.
Kentucky’s body of work this season comes after the Wildcats began last season with a record-setting 13-match unbeaten run. However, UK still hasn’t qualified for the NCAA Tournament since 2014.
Based on a weekend conversation with the Herald-Leader, head coach Troy Fabiano knows the SEC portion of UK’s schedule — which begins Thursday night with a home match against Florida — will dictate whether or not the Wildcats make that long-awaited return to the national postseason.