
Kentucky Soccer Falls to Virginia Tech in Road Test
The Kentucky men's soccer team suffered a 3-0 defeat at Virginia Tech on Friday night, extending their winless start to the 2026 season to 0-2-1. The loss came in the Wildcats' first road test of the year at Thompson Field in Blacksburg, Virginia.
Goalkeeper Gilles Monti, making his first career start in a Kentucky uniform, recorded two saves in the loss. The Hokies struck first in the 12th minute when defender Noe Uwimana scored off an assist from Amir Ariely's low cross. Despite Kentucky generating scoring opportunities, including a chance from freshman Thomas Berteotti in the 38th minute and a shot from Michael Lee early in the second half, the Wildcats could not find the back of the net.
Virginia Tech extended its lead to 2-0 in the 74th minute when Parker Polk beat Monti at the near post, a goal confirmed by VAR review. Yanis Belatrache added a third goal from the penalty spot in the final moments after Yasha Schaerer fouled inside the Kentucky penalty area.
Kentucky, which won the Sun Belt Conference Regular Season title last year, enters the match against Evansville at home on September 4. The Bell Soccer Complex home match is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.