Box Score

CINCINNATI, Ohio – The Eastern Kentucky University soccer team led for most of the game, but host Cincinnati scored two late goals to escape with a 2-1 win in both teams' season opener on a rainy Thursday night at Gettler Stadium.
 
EKU grabbed a quick lead when junior Erin Torrence headed in a beautiful cross from sophomore Katie Shaffer in the ninth minute to make it 1-0, visitors.
 
Following a lightning delay, EKU held firm through the rest of the first half and took the lead into halftime.
 
Monsoon weather arrived in the second half, as did the Cincinnati offense. In the 64^th minute, Kiki Lowell headed in a ball off a set piece to level it. Five minutes later, Brandi Thomsen got to a loose ball and tipped a shot past EKU goalkeeper Billie Clark in the driving rain. That goal proved to be the winner.

"We knew tonight was gong to be a great test for us," head coach Nick Flohre said. "Cincinnati has established itself as one of the hardest working teams around and one who's always extremely tough to play against. Our coaching staff is very proud of the fight our players showed. We didn't get the result we wanted, but we felt like we gave the game everything we had and created chances that could have won us the game. We just weren't able to get the goals we needed. We'll keep working so the next result is different."
 
EKU was outshot in the game, 16-10. Junior Bailly Bounds and freshman Sarah Owusu led the Colonels with three shots apiece. Torrence, Owusu and junior Monica Rios all put shots on frame for EKU.
 
Senior Kacy Eckley and sophomores Katie Shaffer and Claire Hicks all went the distance on EKU's backline.
 
Playing in her first collegiate game, Clark played admirably in goal, making seven saves in less-than-ideal conditions.
 
EKU returns to action next Tuesday, August 21, at East Tennessee State. First touch is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET.