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RICHMOND, Ky. – Freshman midfielder Heather Bruce's second-half goal propelled the Eastern Kentucky University women’s soccer team past the University of San Francisco on Sunday, 1-0. With the win, the Colonels (2-1-1) continue their early season surge, while the Dons drop to 2-2-1.
“I’m really pleased with the way the team bounced back after our result on Friday,” head coach Lindsay Basalyga said. “We talked about some things we could’ve done better on Friday, and we executed on those things. We learned from Friday’s result.”
After battling the Dons to a scoreless first half, the Colonels capitalized on an opportunity early in the second. At the 49:21 mark, Bruce took a pass from sophomore forward Alex Hartwick and launched it into the upper-right corner of the net, putting EKU up 1-0. Bruce’s goal proved to be the game-winner.
San Francisco plays in the highly competitive West Coast Conference. The Dons beat Fresno State in their first match of the season, 1-0. Fresno State beat EKU by the same score on Friday night.
“We didn’t just survive this game,” Basalyga said. “We played with them. When we tied Maryland last year, we were holding on for dear life. But we played with San Francisco today.”
The Colonel defense played a critical role in the victory. It was the unit’s second shutout of the season. Through four games now, the Colonel defense has allowed only two goals.
“This win is very exciting, because now we know we can play with teams like that,” junior defender Jessica Goshert said. “If we can play with San Francisco, we can play with anybody in the OVC. I think we’re going to surprise some people this year.”
Sophomore goalkeeper Stephanie Lynch recorded her second shutout of the season, playing all 90 minutes of the match and recording four saves.
“We came out strong in the second half and scored a quick goal,” Lynch said. “After that, we just kept up the intensity and played for the win. This win is a really big confidence booster for us.”
The Colonels return to action at Akron on Friday. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m.
“This has been a great trip for our program,” Basalyga said. “I think the team will be stronger on the field and off the field. We’ll enjoy this result, but we certainly look to move on come Tuesday morning.”