RICHMOND, Ky. – Eastern Kentucky soccer dropped a 3-0 decision on Friday afternoon to Liberty at the EKU Soccer Field in the ASUN Match of the Week.
 
With the loss, the Colonels conclude the regular season with a 8-6-2 (.562) overall record and finish the conference portion at 4-4-2 (.500). Liberty clinched as the 2022 regular season ASUN champions with the win and earned a host-bid in the tournament next week.
 
Liberty cruised in the opening thirty minutes of regulation shooting five shots and earning two corners.
 
The early offensive pressure led to the first LU tally in the 30th, as Bridie Herman sent a corner from the right side that EKU keeper Carly Dean punched out off the crossbar, Ava Goodman completed the play tapping the ball into the back of the net for the advantage.
 
EKU would keep Liberty scoreless in the final 15 minutes before halftime, senior Myla Sharpless attempted the first shot of the match in the 34th, missing out top.
 
Out of halftime, the Flames continued their press and tacked on their second goal of the contest in the 57th frame as Meredith King placed a header in a contested box that snuck past Dean.
 
Liberty padded their advantage in the 69th minute when Annie Slovak fired a ball from 15 yards out that caught Dean off her line after saving the previous shot on goal by Briana Myers.
 
Seniors Ali Kirk and Sharpless found opportunities in the final 20 minutes of regulation, failing to convert and the Flames captured their 12th win of the season.
 
Eastern Kentucky used 23 student-athletes in Friday's match, its third-highest total of the year. With today's performance, fifth-year Baylee Lanter enters the top-10 in program history in career minutes played and matches started.
 
Liberty ended the contest with the advantage in shots (19-5) and shots on goal (6-1).
 
EKU returns to action next week to compete in its second conference championship in as many years in the ASUN. Pairings and locations for the tournament will be announced by the conference office on Sunday, Oct. 23 at 5:00 p.m. ET as results around the league are finalized.