Nov. 1, 2006

Riley O'Neill scored the final two Kentucky goals to help the Wildcats defeat Memphis, 3-1, in game three of the 2006 Conference USA men's soccer championship at the Hurricane Soccer and Track Stadium on the campus of the University of Tulsa. This was the fifth multi-goal game of the season for O'Neill and his 17 total goals on the season are a new UK school record.

Memphis grabbed the early 1-0 lead on an unassisted goal by Tripp Harkins. Michael D'Agostino punched in the equalizer for UK off a rebound of Jase Griggiths' shot to grab some momentum for the Wildcats.

Kentucky grabbed the lead for good on O'Neill's first goal which came off a free kick taken by Masumi Turnbull that was headed into the net. His second goal was also headed in and gave the senior 73 career points, which ties a school record.

Kentucky head coach Ian Collins was glad his team was able to snap its four-game losing streak in conference championship contests.

"We knew it was going to be a very tough game," Collins said. "I give Memphis a lot of credit. I thought they came out all fired up and they got the first goal. I thought we started out very slow tonight. I think we were a little bit sluggish, but I have got to give my guys credit, we fought back from a goal down and we found a way to get the result we wanted. We are very pleased with the result, not particularly pleased with the way we played overall, but hopefully we can come along Friday and play the way we are capable of."

With the win, Kentucky improves to 13-4-2 (5-2-1 C-USA), while Memphis finishes its regular season at 10-8-0 (3-5-0 C-USA). Kentucky's 13 wins are the most since 2001. The Wildcats advance to Friday's second semifinal against the winner of game four between Tulsa and UCF. Match time is slated for 7:30 p.m.