LEXINGTON, Ky. – A second half score after an hour-long rain delay helped Kentucky defeat the Columbia men's soccer team 1-0 in its first match of the season on Friday.
 
The Lions fall to 0-1 on the season while the Wildcats improve to 2-0.
 
With storms in the area, the match which was originally scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. was pushed back to 8:35 p.m. in Lexington. Columbia put forth the first shot on goal on an attempt by Francisco Agrest in the 24th minute, but Enrique Facusse from the Wildcats was there for the save.
 
A little more than three minutes later, Danny Laranetto had a shot attempt himself, but Facusse collected his second save. Columbia goalkeeper Dylan Castanheira only faced one shot on goal in the first and was able to save the attempt by Nicolai Fremstad.
 
With 32 minutes left on the clock in the second period, Kentucky went ahead for good. Fremstad found JJ Williams for a goal, giving the Wildcats a 1-0 lead. Kentucky would hold the lead for the rest of the game, hanging on for the one-goal win.
 
Castanheira finished the contest with three saves and the lone goal against in the second half.
 
Columbia returns to action on Labor Day, with a 1:00 p.m. match at Butler on Facebook Live.