Box Score BOX SCORE

RICHMOND, Ky. – Alexandra Suschak’s goal with less than two minutes remaining in the first half made the difference as visiting Detroit Mercy clipped the Eastern Kentucky University women’s soccer team, 1-0, on Sunday afternoon at EKU Soccer Field.

“We’re young, and our lack of maturity is playing a role,” head coach Lindsay Basalyga said. “Unfortunately, a young team is going to have its ups and downs. But, we played well in the second half, and hopefully that is something we can build on going forward.”

Suschak’s goal came in the 43rd minute following a corner kick by Rebekah Dornbos. Suschak rebounded a shot that struck the post and fired a score past freshman goalkeeper Annie Wickett to record the game-winner.

EKU (2-5-1) was led offensively by sophomore Nicole Donnelly’s three shots, all of which were near misses – one went just high and another hit the crossbar – that could have tied or won the game.

“We’re a great team 18 to 18, but once we get inside the 18-yard box, we kind of get too excited,” Donnelly said of the Colonels’ near-misses on Sunday. “It’s one of those things where once we relax and get one or two in the back of the net, the rest will come.”

Detroit (6-2-1) was paced in the attack by Alyssa Riley, who fired six shots, one of which was on goal. The Titans outshot the Colonels, 18-7, on the day.

Wickett played all 90 minutes in goal and made a season-high six saves, as the Colonels shut out the Titans in the second half.

“I think the transition from 4-3-3 to 4-4-2 in the second half was definitely an improvement,” Wickett said. “We can definitely build off that. It also got us a lot more numbers in the attack and a lot more chances to score.”

Sophomores Lauren Fant and #Emily D’Italia and freshman Paige Larkin# all went the distance on EKU’s backline in the narrow defeat.

EKU will now hit the road for four straight road games, beginning at Xavier next Friday, Sept. 17, at 7:00 p.m.

“We usually find confidence in one game, and then keep it for a while,” Donnelly said of the upcoming road swing. “Hopefully we find that confidence next Friday at Xavier. We’ll train hard this week and hopefully get our minds right.”