FLORENCE, Ala. – Freshman forward Silvia Shirey scored her first collegiate goal in highlight-reel fashion Thursday night, helping the Eastern Kentucky University women's soccer team earn a 1-1 draw against North Alabama at the Cox Creek Sports Complex.
 
With the result, EKU (9-2-4, 4-1-2 ASUN) picked up another point in the ASUN standings as it continues its push for a conference tournament berth later this month. The Colonels sit second in the ASUN Gold Division with 14 points.
 
North Alabama (7-4-5, 3-2-3 ASUN) struck first in the 43rd minute when Meg Welch finished off passes from Maddie Reynolds and Molly Parham. Welch would go on to lead the team with three shots on goal.
 
Just 14 seconds later, Shirey delivered an instant response. Off the restart, the Nashville, Tennessee, native connected on two one-touch passes before lofting a left-footed shot that found the back of the net, a goal that quickly gained attention across NCAA and ASUN social media channels.
 
Shirey's equalizer was assisted by junior midfielder Chiara Premoli and sophomore midfielder Avery May. The helper marked Premoli's eighth of the season, setting a program record for single-season assists and a new personal best.
 
The teams battled through a physical second half, but neither side could break the deadlock and ended the match in a tie.
 
EKU finished with 16 total shots and seven on target. Sophomore forward Ella Grode led the attack with six shots, including two on goal, while Shirey added a career-high three shots, two of them on frame.
 
The Colonels continue their road swing Sunday at Central Arkansas. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. ET and the match will stream live on ESPN+.