Box Score (PDF)

CINCINNATI, Ohio – The Eastern Kentucky University soccer team held host Xavier scoreless in the second half, but the Colonels still fell to the Musketeers, 4-0, on Sunday afternoon at the XU Soccer Complex.
 
Statistically, the game was very close. EKU matched a season high with 11 shots, while Xavier attempted 13 shots. Both teams earned five corner kicks.
 
However, XU (5-2-0) – which won its third straight game on Sunday – capitalized on its opportunities in the first half. Kylie Hohlt scored just two minutes into the game to give Xavier an early 1-0 lead. Jessica Miller added a pair of goals later in the half. An own goal just before halftime gave the Musketeers a 4-0 lead at the break.
 
Freshman goalkeeper Anna Hall spelled senior Samm Melton in the second, however, and made two saves as the Colonel defense clamped down and blanked the hosts in the final 45 minutes.
 
"For 90% of this game we were extremely good and we matched a very good Xavier team in terms of possession and shots," head coach Andrew Fleming said. "We don't put a lot of stock in moral victories but we will certainly be encouraged by our play in most of this match."
 
Freshman Monica Rios played all 90 minutes of the game and attempted a season-high six shots for the Colonels. Sophomore Emmi Carroll fired two shots in the defeat.
 
Sophomore Makenna Sullivan and freshmen Haley Kemper and Kacy Eckley also went the distance for the Colonels on Sunday.
 
Samantha Dewey and Catherine Allon led XU with three shots apiece.
 
Eastern returns home on Friday, September 18, to host Kent State. First touch is scheduled for 4:00 p.m.
 
"We'll play another very good team on Thursday, and if we can replicate some of what we saw today, we'll feel like we are prepared for conference play," Fleming added. "The benefit of playing such a difficult non-conference schedule is that you have the opportunity to learn quite a bit about your team under extreme pressure. It's encouraging to see what we're capable of, and it's encouraging to see how the girls have handled all that this season has put in front of them."