NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Eastern Kentucky University soccer team (1-6-1, 0-1-0 ASUN) opened the ASUN Conference slate with a 1-0 loss to Lipscomb (5-4-0, 1-0-0 ASUN) on Thursday night at the Lipscomb Soccer Complex.
 
Thursday's conference opener was highlighted by junior keeper Marah Krick, who ended the night with four saves on 15 shots faced.
 
Lipscomb started the contest with constant pressure on EKU's five-member backline. The Bisons attempted three shots on goal in the first 32 minutes of action, all saved by Krick.
 
33 minutes of action went by without a corner attempt until the Bisons guided a ball that EKU tipped over the endline, sparking the home team's offensive effort. Two minutes later, Lipscomb pinged a ball into the box that hit the hands of a Colonel defender, a penalty kick was awarded, and graduate forward Kelli Beiler converted to break the nil standoff.
 
EKU entered the pause without attempting a shot for its second consecutive contest and down 1-0.
 
The Colonels attempted their first shot attempt of the match in the 65th minute as Maia Ransom took the ball from the corner that lofted just over the crossbar.
 
Despite EKU's added effort in the second half, the team was unable to overcome Lipscomb's presence as the buzzer sounded 1-0 in the Bisons favor.
 
Lipscomb led the match in shots (15-5), shots on goal (5-2) and possession (58 percent). EKU ended the contest with the advantage in corner attempts (3-2) and saves (4-2)
 
EKU returns to action on Sunday at 1 p.m. hosting Austin Peay at the EKU Soccer Field. Sunday's match is Youth Sports Day at the pitch, fans are encouraged to arrive early to partake in pre-game festivities. As a reminder, admission is free to the field for the duration of the 2023 season.