Box Score

RICHMOND, Ky. – Freshman Taylor Perkins netted her first collegiate goal two minutes into overtime to give the Eastern Kentucky University soccer team a 1-0 victory over visiting Robert Morris. The Colonels now stand at 2-0 on the young season.

The lone goal of the contest occurred at 2:16 into the first overtime when Perkins fired a shot from 30 yards out over the head of Robert Morris goalkeeper Chelsea de Jager. Junior Brittany Nomady picked up the assist.

“When I shot it, I thought it had a 50-50 chance [of scoring],” Perkins said. “It was a great lay-off by Brittany and probably the best feeling in the world.”

Neither team had a serious chance of scoring in the first half as there was only one recorded shot on goal.

EKU took control in the second half, outshooting the Colonials, 6-1, and racking up five corner kicks. Sophomore Kaylynn Brown tallied the best scoring chance in regulation. In the 58th minute, Brown tried to lob a shot over de Jager from 25 yards out, but RMU’s goalie made a solid save.

“I think the second half was much better,” Eastern Kentucky head coach Lindsay Basalyga said. “We cleaned up a few details defensively and gave the team a few new ideas on the attack. It was one of those games I think if one fell we would have gotten more in regulation. The bottom line is we found a way to win.”

Perkins’ overtime goal was the only shot in the extra frame.

“I told the players this is the best start we have ever had [at 2-0],” Basalyga said. “It’s a great starting place and we want them to remember what this feels like, but once they wake up tomorrow we are preparing for our next game.”

This was the season opener for Robert Morris (0-1).

The Colonels return to action this Friday, Aug. 24 with a road match at Kentucky. The match is slated to start at 7 p.m.