LEXINGTON, Ky. – Goals in the final 20 minutes from
Peyton Smith and
Caroline Atwill lifted the Eastern Kentucky University women's soccer team to a 2-0 win over East Tennessee State on Sunday afternoon at Lexington Sporting Club.
With the victory, EKU (3-1) extended its home winning streak to eight straight matches dating back to last season, tying the school record set in 2018. Head coach
Matt Cosinuke also tied the program record for career victories with 46 in the win.
Smith and Atwill struck in the 70th and 72nd minutes, respectively, to secure the Colonels' first shutout of the season. EKU improved to 3-0 against non–Power Five opponents this year.
Junior midfielder
Chiara Premoli assisted on both goals, while
Ella Grode, who was recently named to the United Soccer Coaches' Forwards to Watch list, recorded the other assist for her sixth point through four matches.
With Sunday's two-assist performance, Premoli has now assisted in four of EKU's seven goals this season and improves her career total to 12 sitting firmly in second place in school history.
Freshman goalkeeper
Jordan LeVasseur turned in another standout performance, tallying seven saves in a complete-game effort. The Pinckney, Michigan, native improved to 2-0 in net and has 18 saves across two starts, averaging 9.0 per match.
For the second straight contest, EKU went into halftime tied 0-0. The breakthrough came in the 70th minute when ETSU was called for unsporting behavior, leading to a free kick. Two quick passes from Premoli and Grode set up Smith on the right side of the box for the opening goal.
Atwill doubled the advantage two minutes later, slotting home a through ball from Premoli past Buccaneers goalkeeper Addison Yelton.
ETSU (1-2-1) pressed late, firing four shots in the final 18 minutes, but LeVasseur stopped both on-target chances to preserve the clean sheet.
The two teams combined for 27 shots, 14 on goal, in a physical match that featured seven yellow cards and 26 fouls. EKU held 54 percent of possession for the win.
The Colonels will hit the road for their next two matches, beginning Thursday in the annual Bluegrass Cup against in-state rival Morehead State. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET, with coverage available on ESPN+.