BOX SCORE

RICHMOND, Ky. – The Eastern Kentucky University women’s soccer team overcame the elements to defeat future OVC foe Southern Illinois Edwardsville, 1-0, on a rainy Friday afternoon. It was the Colonels’ final home game of the regular season, and it improved their record to a program-best 7-8-2 (4-3 OVC). The Cougars, meanwhile, fell to 5-8 on the season.

“We have a goal to finish the season at .500, so we needed this win,” junior defender Jessica Goshert said. “Plus, they’re going to be in our conference next year so it wasn’t hard to get motivated.”

The Colonels began the game very aggressive on offense, attempting three shots on goal within the first five minutes. The first half, however, ended in a scoreless tie.

Most of the second half played out the same way, with both teams attempting numerous shots on goal and coming away with near misses. With just seven minutes left in regulation, however, the Colonels finally capitalized. After freshman midfielder Heather Bruce placed a corner kick in front of the goal, Goshert headed the ball into the air and senior forward Kayla Swearingen headed it into the net on the rebound. It was Swearingen’s program-record fifth goal and Goshert’s first assist of the season.

EKU outshot SIU Edwardsville 13-8 on the day.

Sophomore goalkeeper Stephanie Lynch and the rest of the Colonel defense recorded their sixth shutout of the season. Lynch played all 90 minutes of the match and made four saves.

The Colonels will play Jacksonville State on Sunday in the season finale. Game time is set for 1:00 p.m.