Undefeated Kentucky women’s soccer takes next step in return to relevancy in the SEC
For the most part, the office of Kentucky women’s soccer head coach Troy Fabiano remains bare.
Aside from a photo of his granddaughter recently placed in the office by Fabiano’s wife, Melissa, the room is not decorated, despite Fabiano now being in his second season at UK.
It’s clear he wants something of tangible value to occupy this space, something to commemorate a meaningful accomplishment for the program he is hoping to return to relevancy in the SEC.
So what has to happen for Fabiano to properly decorate his office?
“That’s a tricky question. … Obviously SEC Tournament would be great,” Fabiano told the Herald-Leader. “I think making it in the NCAA Tournament. I think that’s a big milestone to do.”
While the Wildcats aren’t there quite yet, the progress made under Fabiano this season has become undeniable, something especially evident after one of the most impressive, and important, wins in school history.
Kentucky’s 2-1 victory against Alabama on Friday night at the Bell Soccer Complex in Lexington accomplished the following, among other milestones.
▪ UK’s first SEC win since October 2021.
▪ UK’s first win against a ranked opponent since October 2016.
▪ UK’s first win against a top-10 ranked opponent since October 2014.
▪ Graduate student forward Jordyn Rhodes became the all-time leading scorer in UK program history.
▪ UK is unbeaten through 11 matches for the first time since 2005.
▪ UK is the only unbeaten team left in the SEC, and is one of nine undefeated teams left in Division I women’s soccer.
This is a snapshot of the turnaround story currently being written by Kentucky (7-0-4 overall and 1-0-3 in SEC play), and it’s one that’s showing no signs of stopping anytime soon.
Preseason bonding translates to on-the-field success for UK
On paper, change was evident entering the 2023 season for the Wildcats.
Fabiano’s second team at Kentucky features 23 newcomers to the roster: 12 transfers and 11 freshmen.
Several among this group — ranging from former North Carolina goalkeeper Marz Josephson to freshman midfielder Tanner Strickland — have played prominent roles in Kentucky’s strong start.
But the key to getting so many new players all on the same page can be traced back to this summer, when UK players arrived in Lexington two weeks ahead of schedule.
“I really think we have a competitive mentality — everyone, every position working hard offensively and defensively,” said Josephson, who spent four seasons at North Carolina and was on the roster for three teams that reached at least the national semifinals.
“We meshed a lot quicker than we were expecting,” Rhodes said.
“Walking into preseason and having 23 new faces is probably one of the few times that I can remember that I had no clue what to expect,” Fabiano added. “Boy, to this point, it’s gone really, really well for us.”
Why does Fabiano think things have worked?
“The kids that came in are gritty kids,” he said, noting that several of UK’s newcomers are transfers from mid-major programs.
“The biggest positive right now is they’re together as a group. And they see the big picture. … It’s about the group, and that’s hard to find.”
Whether it’s recognizing the tendencies of other players as part of attacking movements, or working to maintain a sturdy defensive shape, the benefits from this cohesion have been a boost for the Cats.
In a 0-0 home draw with then-No. 7 South Carolina in September, Kentucky didn’t allow a single shot on target.
For the season, UK is outscoring opponents 19-5. Josephson’s six shutouts in net are already among the most by a Kentucky goalkeeper in a single season.
The Wildcats also rank among the nation’s best teams in goals against average.
“We’re organized. We defend as a group,” Fabiano said. “We have a bunch of players that are committed to that mindset, because it’s not easy to do that.”
Part of this belief comes from UK’s mentality.
Josephson recalled conversations with Fabiano from when she was considering UK as a transfer destination.
“He said he wants to turn this program around, he wants to make a winning program,” Josephson said. “… I’m so excited I came. That was the best thing I ever did.”
Kentucky on pace for SEC Tournament berth
While talk of an NCAA Tournament appearance — UK hasn’t qualified since 2014 — might be a more attractive headline, UK’s path back to women’s soccer relevancy would take a significant step forward by simply qualifying for the SEC Tournament.
Kentucky hasn’t made an SEC Tournament since 2020, and the Cats haven’t won a game at the conference tournament since a run to the championship match in 2014.
The SEC Tournament is limited to the top 10 schools (out of 14) after the SEC’s regular season ends.
Given that Kentucky is unbeaten through four SEC matches — including against a pair of top-10 opponents — the potential of a trip to Pensacola, Florida, in a few weeks feels realistic.
Of UK’s six remaining opponents, none are currently ranked in the top 25.
Kentucky’s seven wins this season have matched the team’s total from both the 2021 and 2022 seasons. An eighth win would give UK its most wins in a season since 2017.
And it would bring Fabiano one step closer to adding some well-deserved decor to his office.
Next game
Kentucky at Tennessee
When: 7 p.m. Thursday
Live video broadcast: SEC+
Records: UK 7-0-4, 1-0-3 SEC, Tennessee 6-2-3, 1-1-2
Series: Tennessee leads 17-12-3
Last meeting: Tennessee won 4-1 on Sept. 25, 2022, in Lexington
