Soccer Central: Kentucky

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- The Tennessee soccer team continues conference play Sunday afternoon at Regal Soccer Stadium, hosting SEC rival Kentucky for its 500^th match in program history. Kickoff between the Vols and Wildcats is scheduled for 3 p.m.

Admission and parking for all regular season matches at Regal Soccer Stadium are both free of charge. Gates will open at 2 p.m. Sunday afternoon, and fans should be reminded that Tennessee's clear bag policy will be in effect.

Sunday's contest will be televised on the SEC Network, with an online version of the broadcast available at this link. Live stats will also be provided via SIDEARM Stats.

#FIGHT4LITERACY: Tennessee soccer has partnered with Coaching For Literacy and Knox County Schools to help promote childhood reading in the Knoxville community. The first 200 fans to donate two (2) books at Sunday's match will get a free t-shirt, and proceeds will go to local elementary schools.

PROMOTIONS: In addition to hosting the first-ever Coaching For Literacy soccer match, UT Fan Experience will be giving away checkerboard jersey T-shirts to the first 500 fans in attendance. Other promotions include Sunday Fundae (ice cream voucher and access to toppings bar for the first 100 kids) and a pregame kids' corner.

LAST TIME OUT: The Vols suffered their third-straight one-goal loss Sunday afternoon vs. Alabama, falling 2-1 in double overtime as the Tide scored the golden goal in the 105th minute. Rookie forward Alicia Donley tallied her first SEC goal and ranks second on the team with three scores this season.

DEFEND REGAL: Since 2017, Tennessee owns 23-4-1 (.839) record at Regal Stadium. Over the past three seasons, Tennessee has outscored its opponents 68-23 at Regal and totaled 14 home shutouts.

ACADEMIC HONORS: With a 3.28 team GPA during the 2018-19 season, Tennessee earned its second consecutive Team Academic Award from the United Soccer Coaches. The Vols have received the honor 10 times overall, including a five-year streak from 2011-15.

SERIES HISTORY: UT owns a 14-12-2 all-time record against the Wildcats, including a four-match unbeaten streak since 2015. The Vols have topped Kentucky by scores of 3-0 and 3-1 over the last two meetings. UT alum Bunny Shaw has accounted for five goals in those matches, while current senior MA Vignola tallied the game-winner in 2017.

SCOUTING KENTUCKY: The Wildcats (5-5-2, 0-3 SEC) are also searching for their first SEC win this season under third-year head coach Ian Carry. Kentucky most recently suffered a 2-1 loss at home to Mississippi State last Sunday.

Seven freshmen made starts for the Wildcats against MSU, headlined by Hannah Richardson who leads the squad with eight goals in her first 11 matches. Rookie keeper Steph Stull has started all 12 games for Kentucky, recording a 1.42 goals-against average to go along with 36 saves.

UP NEXT: Tennessee's SEC home stand continues Thursday as the Vols host Georgia. The match is scheduled for a 7 p.m. kickoff at Regal Soccer Stadium.

For the most up-to-date information on Tennessee soccer, follow @Vol_Soccer on Twitter.

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Players Mentioned

Alicia Donley

Bunny Shaw

MA Vignola

University of Tennessee Athletics