Box Score (PDF)

CULLOWHEE, N.C. – Freshman Emmi Carroll scored the game-winner in the 70^th minute and freshman goalkeeper Anna Hall notched a shutout in her first collegiate game as the Eastern Kentucky University soccer team went on the road and blanked host Western Carolina, 1-0, in its 2014 season opener on Friday night.
 
"Tonight, our team battled hard for 90 minutes and had to deal with some adversity and a solid Western Carolina team," head coach Melissa Barnes said. "It wasn't pretty but a lot of wins are earned by just grinding and that's what our players did to get this win. We'll let our players recover physically and quickly look to prepare for our next opponent."
 
Following a scoreless first half, Carroll received a pass from sophomore Mikayla Brillon in the 70^th minute and headed in the difference maker.
 
The Catamounts outshot the Colonels 11-2 in the second half and attempted a barrage following Carroll's go-ahead score; however, Hall and the EKU defense held on for the final 30 minutes and grinded out the impressive road win.
 
Hall made three saves en route to her first-career shutout.
 
Brillon, senior Emily D'Italia and junior Merrissa Vault played all 90 minutes on EKU's backline to help stifle WCU. Junior Katie Bright and freshman Logan Harvey also went the distance in the midfield.
 
EKU will return home to host Alabama A&M in its home opener on Friday, August 29 at 5:00 p.m.