RICHMOND, Ky. – The EKU soccer team (1-3-1) looks to build off a good result last time out as it hosts in-state rival Northern Kentucky (1-1-3) on Thursday afternoon at the EKU Soccer Field.
 
Thursday's match is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. with gates opening one hour prior to kickoff. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to partake in pre-match festivities, the first 150 fans to the pitch will receive a free t-shirt sponsored by Zaxby's.
 
Those not able to be in attendance can view the match on ESPN+ with Greg Stotelmyer and Wes Chandler on the call beginning five minutes before the start of the match.
 
Last time out, EKU recorded its first win of the season in comeback fashion over Eastern Michigan, 2-1. Sophomore Payton Payne notched the game-winning goal in her first appearance on the year powering the home team to victory. The Colonels other goal scorer was senior Kylie Fitzgerald, who used her hip to equalize the contest in the 51st minute for her first goal of the season. She led the team with four shot attempts, the most of her career.
 
Junior forward Gretta Gunn tallied her third assist of the year in EKU's win over EMU, she is now up to 11 career assists which is the most in EKU program history. Gunn's assist total this season ranks first in the ASUN Conference and 44th nationally.
 
The defensive effort last time out was highlighted by keeper Melanie McKeown, who earned her first career start and brought down a career-high nine saves in 90 minutes in net. Her nine saves were the most by an EKU goalie since March 5, 2021.
 
Joining Payne, ASUN Preseason All-Conference selection Nerea de Diego and transfer Jami Anderson made their first appearances of the year, logging over 15 minutes of playing time each. 
 
Anderson attempted her first shot of the campaign in the second half which marked her 120th collegiate shot. In three years of junior college action, the Austin, Texas native recorded 36 goals, 29 assists, and had 81 shots on frame – leading the NJCAA twice.
 
NKU comes to Richmond with a string of good results, picking up six points in its last four contests with a 1-0 win over Miami (Ohio) and draws against Louisville, Bellarmine, and Ohio. The Norse have recorded four goals in non-conference play, led by multi-goal scorer Kylie Anderson, who's connected on two of her three shots on the year.
 
Anchoring NKU on the defensive side is keeper Mickayla Kowalski, who enters play as the back-to-back Horizon League Goalie of the Week after recorded a career-high 12 saves last time out against Ohio. Her 12 saves against the Bobcats were the second-most in NKU program history and her 30 saves on the season ranks 30th in the country.
 
Thursday's match is the fifth meeting between EKU and NKU and the first match in two seasons. NKU leads the all-time series 3-1 and EKU is seeking its first win over the Norse since 2016. The Colonels are 12-14-1 all-time against Horizon League opponents.