Box Score (pdf)
CULLOWHEE, N.C. – The Eastern Kentucky University soccer team dropped its season opener, 3-0, to host Western Carolina on Friday night at the Catamount Athletic Complex.
WCU, which outscored its opponents 6-0 in two exhibition wins this preseason, got on the board early when Kelly Pannell scored in the fifth minute off an assist from Chandler Arrowood.
EKU, however, settled in after the early score and held the Catamounts scoreless over the final 40 minutes of the first half. Senior
Amani Thomas nearly tied it late in the first half when she beat WCU goalkeeper Carly Tintsman, but a Catamount defender caught her from behind and was able to clear the ball. Both teams attempted only three shots in the first 45 minutes of action.
Thomas nearly played a role in another equalizer early in the second half when she lofted a beautiful cross to junior
Cassie Smith; however, a Western Carolina defender was again there to deflect Smith's shot.
WCU was more aggressive in the attack in the second half, attempting 12 shots to EKU's four. The aggression finally paid off in the 69
th minute when Amanda Schwartz was fouled in the box and converted the ensuing penalty kick to give the Catamounts some breathing room, 2-0.
Kasey Cooke added an insurance goal less than a minute later off an assist from Leland Haven.
"We were actually dangerous enough going forward to put ourselves in position to win the game," head coach
Andrew Fleming said. "WCU had two tremendous efforts to clear balls off the goal line that had beaten the goalkeeper. We could have been winning the game 2-1 in the second half. Full credit to Western Carolina, though. Their staff has done a great job, and they have some very talented student-athletes. We have a lot of growing up to do."
Freshman
Monica Rios paced the Colonels with two shots, one of which was on goal. Smith, senior
Katie Bright, sophomore
Jordan Foster and freshmen
Bailly Bounds and
Kacy Eckley also attempted shots in the loss.
Freshman
Emily Beaver logged the most minutes of any Colonel, playing 88 minutes on the backline in her collegiate debut.
Senior
Samm Melton went the distance in goal for the Colonels, making one save.
"If you look at our effort and performance in the exhibition games in comparison to tonight's game," Fleming added, "it becomes clear that consistency will be a huge factor for us throughout the year."
EKU returns to action on Sunday when the Colonels travel to UNC Asheville for a 1:00 p.m. kickoff.
