Box Score

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – The first-place Eastern Kentucky University soccer team was edged by Southeast Missouri, 1-0, on Friday night in overtime. It was the Colonels’ first loss in exactly one month (September 12 at Xavier).

“We definitely competed tonight and the loss wasn’t because of a lack of effort or focus,” head coach Lindsay Basalyga said. “We weren’t as dangerous around goal today as we have been in previous OVC matches, but I think we defended really well and found our rhythm through the midfield. We just couldn’t connect in or around goal.”

Before Friday, EKU was the lone Ohio Valley Conference team still unbeaten in conference play. With the loss, however, the Colonels fall to 7-5-2 (3-1-1 OVC) on the season. SEMO, meanwhile, improves to 3-9-3 (2-3-1 OVC) with the win.

SEMO’s Jacey Boyko scored the game-winning goal three minutes into overtime, heading in a cross on a run from the left side. Kasey Crowden and Paige Luehmann were both credited with the assist on the goal.

EKU outshot SEMO, 12-6, in the loss, and the Colonels attempted seven shots on goal. Junior Nikki Donnelly led all players in the game with five shots, three of which were on goal.

Despite EKU’s advantage in chances, Redhawk goalkeeper Renee Kertz was sharp all evening, making seven saves en route to her third shutout of the season.

Freshman Erika Wolfer, back from injury, played all 94 minutes in goal for the Colonels and made one save while surrendering just one goal.

Senior Deja Tennon, junior Lauren Fant and sophomores #Emily D’Italia and Paige Larkin all went the distance on an EKU backline that has now not allowed multiple goals in 14 consecutive OVC regular season games. Junior midfielder Brittany Nomady# also played all 94 minutes of Friday’s game for EKU.

EKU returns to action on Sunday afternoon when the Colonels face defending OVC Tournament champion UT Martin at 2:00 p.m.

“I think this loss keeps us humble, yet confident,” Basalyga added. “I love the fight in this year’s team and Sunday will certainly be a test of our character as we take on a very good UT Martin team.”