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RICHMOND, Ky. – Following tough road games at Indiana and West Virginia, the Eastern Kentucky University soccer team returns home on Friday to face Evansville at 5:00 p.m.

EKU (0-6-1) has been outscored 9-0 in its previous two games against an undefeated Indiana team (6-0-1) and a West Virginia team that is currently ranked No. 10 in the country; however, in their last home outing the Colonels played then-undefeated Xavier to a scoreless draw, battling the Musketeers for 110 minutes on September 6 and nearly winning on a shot by senior Nikki Donnelly that hit the far post in the first overtime period.

EKU is 8-2-2 at home over the last two years.

The Colonels will look to get their offense going on Friday. Seniors Lauren Fant and Kristan Paynter lead the EKU attack with a goal each, while senior Katie Collar and sophomore Taylor Perkins have both notched assists.

Sophomore Samm Melton replaced an injured Erika Wolfer at keeper versus West Virginia and will get the start on Friday.

Eastern will have to contend with an Evansville team (5-2-1) that has won two straight games, including a 3-0 victory over Ohio Valley Conference foe Belmont on September 13. Kayla Smith (three goals, two assists) and Stephanie Thompson (three goals) lead the Purple Aces' offense, while goalkeeper Simone Busby has allowed only five goals in eight games this fall.

This will be the third all-time matchup – and first since 2007 – between EKU and Evansville on the soccer pitch. The series is tied 1-1.

Following Friday's affair, EKU will have Sunday off before opening OVC play at Jacksonville State on Friday, September 27.