Kentucky men’s soccer opens 2025 season with upset road win over ranked opponent

Kentucky men’s soccer couldn’t have asked for a better way to kick off the 2025 season.

During Thursday’s season-opener on the road against No. 20 Western Michigan, the Wildcats (1-0-0) went into Kalamazoo and pulled off a spirited 2-1 victory. Graduate student Alex Ruiz was the star for Kentucky in what was his debut with the program, netting both of his team’s points. The midfielder’s first goal came in the 21st minute and the second in the 76th minute (less than two minutes after Western Michigan got on the board) to break a 1-1 tie.

Kentucky, which brought in 16 new faces in the offseason, has now won five straight season-openers and holds a 10-1 record over its previous 11 openers dating back to 2015. The Wildcats also improved to 15-2-1 all-time against the Broncos.

Eight of those 16 newcomers made their Kentucky debuts against Western Michigan, including five starters. The Wildcats controlled the possession battle 57-43 while allowing just two shots on goal. Goalkeeper Sebastian Conlon was only required to make one save throughout the course of the match.

After failing to make the NCAA Tournament last season for the first time since 2017, Kentucky head coach Johan Cedergren, now in year 14 at the helm, has the Wildcats looking to make a major bounce back this season. Despite the roster turnover, this year’s squad is loaded with talent, including Conlon, the reigning Sun Belt Goalkeeper of the Year, who came over from James Madison.

Conlon, defender Josh Gordon, and midfielder Agustin Lopez were all named to the Sun Belt Preseason All-Conference Team. Kentucky was picked to finish 4th in the Sun Belt and did not receive any votes in the preseason national poll, but taking down a top-25 foe in the opener is a perfect way to build momentum.

Up next, Kentucky will return to Lexington for the home opener on Monday against Bellarmine. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET at the Bell Soccer Complex.