RICHMOND, Ky. – Eastern Kentucky soccer displayed a hard-fought effort on Thursday evening at the EKU Soccer Field, drawing with North Alabama in the opening match of ASUN play at nil.
 
With the tie, EKU moves to 4-2-1 on the season and sets their sights on Central Arkansas to end a six-match home tilt.
 
"Obviously, a tough beginning to the season for us, there's ties that feel like wins and ties that don't feel like wins, and this was one of the latter," said head coach Matt Cosinuke. "I think we're continuing to mature as a team and understand that we dictate our own destiny and need to do a better job at how we're beginning games. Credit to North Alabama, they came in opening on the road and did a really good job at making things difficult for us. We have a lot of lessons to learn and a lot of moments for growth and opportunity to get better, but that's the thing about conference, quick turnaround and we have a quality opponent coming here on Sunday."
 
The Colonels struggled to find an offensive rhythm in the first half against the Lions, only attempting two shots on frame, freshman Emma Spivey missed off the keepers' hands hitting the woodwork and senior Maddy Lemery had a bottom right attempt saved by Payton Yates.
 
EKU would enter halftime with a 0-0 tie after sophomore Gretta Gunn fired an attempt that was once again saved by Yates (43').
 
Lemery nearly gave the home team the advantage in the 53rd minute that was acrobatically saved by the UNA keeper, the ended the night with the team with three shots, all on frame.
 
The physical contest continued well into the later portion of the second half, fifth-year Baylee Lanter and freshman Kaitlyn Rowlett attempted the only Colonel shots on target in the final 30 minutes of action.
 
The air horn sounds secured the first conference point of the season for both teams, EKU goalkeeper Lauren Seedlock ended the contest with seven saves, tying her season-high for the third time this year.
 
Eastern Kentucky and North Alabama equalized in shots at 14, UNA grabbed a one-shot advantage of attempts on frame (7-6). The Lions also led the match in corner kicks (4-2) while EKU grabbed the advantage in possession (51 percent) for the third time this year.
 
The Colonels are back in action on Sunday, September 18 at 1:00 p.m. ET as EKU plays host to Central Arkansas to wrap-up a six-match home swing. Sunday's game is "Pups at the Pitch" day at the EKU Soccer Field, fans are encouraged to bring their furry loved ones to receive a free EKU bandana courtesy of EKU Marketing & Promotions. The match against UCA is set to air on ESPN+.

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