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RICHMOND, Ky. – In less than ideal conditions, the Eastern Kentucky University soccer team won a match it desperately needed, as two second-half goals by freshman Emmi Carroll propelled the Colonels to a 2-1 victory over Ohio Valley Conference foe Tennessee Tech on Friday afternoon at EKU Soccer Field.
 
It was EKU's (3-8-1, 1-1-1 OVC) first win since August 29 and its fifth straight over Tennessee Tech dating back to 2010.
 
"We are very pleased to get the result today in tough weather conditions," head coach Melissa Barnes said. "Emmi did a great job of finishing today, and our team did a much better job of creating chances in the second half. We will look to bring an even better effort against Jacksonville State on Sunday."
 
A steady rainfall and sparse downpours occupied nearly the entire match against the Golden Eagles (2-10, 0-3 OVC).  With EKU down, 1-0, five minutes into the second half, Carroll tied the match with a 15-yard shot that sailed past Tennessee Tech's keeper Rebecca Toler. Senior Emily D'Italia and sophomore Cassie Smith combined to assist on the goal.
 
Eighteen minutes later, at the 20-minute mark of the second half, another D'Italia corner kick went to junior Merrissa Vault, who set up Carroll for the close-range game-winner.
 
"This was really big for us," Carroll said. "We haven't won in awhile, and it feels really good to help us break that streak."
 
Tennessee Tech struck first in the rain with a goal in the 24^th minute by Katie Phillips.  Eastern nearly evened the score at one shortly before halftime on a shot from freshman Jordan Foster to the right side of the Tennessee Tech goal, but it was saved by Toler.  The Golden Eagles took a 1-0 lead into intermission.
 
EKU freshman keeper Anna Hall contributed six saves to a strong defensive effort from the Colonels.  The Golden Eagles only took five shots in the second half.
 
The win gave EKU its first OVC win of the season, and Carroll feels it will propel them forward as the end of the regular season approaches.
 
"I think this gives us a lot of confidence, " Carroll said.  "I think we are growing as a team and picking up momentum at the right time."
 
The Colonels will be back in action at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 5, against Jacksonville State.
 
Sunday's game will be Madison United Soccer Association (MUSA) and Friends of Jaclyn (FOJ) Awareness Day. EKU Players will wear Friends of Jaclyn T-shirts to honor the many children battling pediatric tumors who have been paired up with college and high school sports teams through FOJ and also to raise awareness in our area so anyone in our community who is dealing with Pediatric Brain Tumors can get involved with FOJ.
 
MUSA Players who are wearing a jersey can register at the table to receive a free hot dog at the concession stand courtesy of Melissa Barnes Soccer Academy.