Ben Damge Scores Twice as Cats Advance to NCAA Second Round

CINCINNATI, Ohio – In an impressive performance, the Kentucky men’s soccer team secured a spot in the second round of the NCAA Tournament with a 2-0 victory over Xavier on Thursday evening. This win marks Kentucky’s fifth consecutive appearance in the second round, highlighting the program’s consistent success under head coach Johan Cedergren.

Kentucky took control of the game early on, with goalkeeper Casper Mols making a crucial save in the opening 15 minutes. The breakthrough came in the 26th minute, as Ben Damge scored his first goal of the night, assisted by freshman Josh Gordon. The Wildcats went into halftime with a 1-0 lead, having recorded four shots and one save.

In the second half, Kentucky showed their determination to secure the win. In the 68th minute, Damge found the back of the net again, earning himself a brace and extending Kentucky’s lead to 2-0. This time, he was assisted by freshman Marqes Muir, who delivered a free kick into the box. The hometown hero from Mason, Ohio received praise from Cedergren, who dubbed him “The Hammer”.

Kentucky displayed their defensive prowess as the game came to a close, recording a total of eight shots and two saves. Mols, in particular, had a standout performance, earning his seventh clean sheet of the season. With this win, Mols improved his record to 8-5-4.

This victory over Xavier brings the all-time series record between the two programs to 9-5-3 in favor of Kentucky. Their first meeting dates back to 2000, when the Musketeers came out on top with a 3-1 win.

Looking ahead, the Wildcats will travel to South Bend, Indiana to face Notre Dame on Sunday at 5 p.m. This match promises to be a thrilling contest as Kentucky continues their journey on the Road to Louisville.

For the latest updates on Kentucky Men’s Soccer, be sure to follow @UKMensSoccer on X, Facebook, and Instagram, as well as visit UKAthletics.com.