BGSU men’s soccer (2-2-1) continues its stretch of Power 4 opponents with a matchup against nationally ranked No. 18 Kentucky (3-0-1) in Lexington, Kentucky, on Sunday at 1 p.m.
Falcon Media Sports Network’s Kevin Hutchinson will have a recap of the contest on bgfalconmedia.com. Meanwhile, Lucas Kleimeyer will have written content, along with live social media coverage of the match on @BG_FMSN on Twitter/X.
Matchup History
The last time the Falcons faced Kentucky was in 2016, when the Wildcats won 1-0 in overtime.
Scouting Bowling Green
The Falcons have faced off against both Michigan (0-1) and Michigan State (1-0) in their last two matches, making Kentucky the third straight Power-4 opponent.
In their latest match against MSU, Trace Terry knocked in the singular goal of the match in the final five minutes to give the Falcons the 1-0 win.
The defensive efforts of Enzo Gil were put back into the spotlight after winning his second MVC Defensive Player of the Week award of the season. In the same week, Gil held Michigan to only one goal and Michigan State to none, along with six saves.
The Orange and Brown have had an MVC Player of the Week in all three weeks of the season, with Gil winning two and Terry taking the third.
Scouting Kentucky
Kentucky comes into their matchup against the Falcons with three straight shutout games from their goalkeeper, Sebastion Conlon, who has only given up one goal all season.
The Wildcats have had perfect availability from Marqes Muir, who has played in all 360 minutes of the season.
The Blue and White have had their veterans take control, as graduate student Alex Ruiz has secured five out of the team’s seven goals on the season. His efficiency is off the charts, scoring on five out of his eight shots on goal so far.
The Wildcats are coached by 2022 Sun Belt Conference Coach of the Year, Johan Cedergren. In Cedergren’s 13 years at Kentucky, the program has reached the NCAA tournament 10 times.
Falcon Four Players to Watch
Caio Tascheto – Defender #6, Bowling Green
The Falcon defender has played in all 450 minutes this season. With a Power-4 school such as Kentucky, it is important to keep them out of the box and the net. Tascheto’s presence in the backline will not only strike fear in the Wildcats but give a sense of protection for Gil behind him.
Enzo Gil – Goalkeeper #1, Bowling Green
While the defenders can prevent some shots, at the end of the game, it will come down to Gil being able to make multiple tough defensive plays to give this Falcons team another win against a Power-4 opponent.
Alex Ruiz – Midfielder #14, Kentucky
With Ruiz scoring more than half of the Blue and White’s goals, it only makes sense for them to look for him to find the back of the net once again. Against a solid defensive lineup in BGSU, Ruiz will have to work to secure his goals.
Joaquin Brizuela – Midfielder #29, Kentucky
The Orange and Brown’s attention will be focused on Ruiz; Kentucky will have to look towards other midfielders that can score, such as Brizuela, to get their goals in the match. Brizuela already has a goal for the season; look for him to try to get his second in this match.
