LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Eastern Kentucky University women's soccer team will look to defend its eight-match home winning streak this week when it hosts Northern Kentucky and Duquesne at Lexington Sporting Club.
 
The Colonels face NKU on Thursday and Duquesne on Sunday. Both matches are scheduled for 1 p.m. ET kickoffs.
 
Fans are reminded that pets are not permitted at the LSC complex. Chewing gum and tobacco products are also prohibited. All spectators must remain outside the fence surrounding the playing area. A full list of complex rules are available online here and facility details here.
 
EKU (4-1-1) enters the week on a four-match unbeaten run with wins over USC Upstate, East Tennessee State and Morehead State, along with a draw at Belmont. The Colonels are undefeated against fellow mid-major opponents and are ranked No. 6 in the United Soccer Coaches South Region poll, the highest regional ranking in program history.
 
Since September 2024, EKU has won eight straight home matches, the fifth-longest active streak in the nation.
 
Through six matches this season, the Colonels have recorded 13 goals, 14 assists and 55 shots. Sophomore forward Ella Grode (3), senior defender Sydney Taylor (2) and freshman midfielder Emma Wolf (2) have each scored multiple goals.
 
Junior midfielder Chiara Premoli leads the NCAA in assists per game (1.20) and ranks fifth nationally in total assists (6). She has assisted on 46 percent of EKU's goals this season and has logged at least one assist in seven of the Colonels' last 11 matches dating back to last year. With her next assist, Premoli will become EKU's all-time career leader in the category.
 
Scouting NKU
Northern Kentucky (3-0-4) remains unbeaten this season and enters Thursday's match with momentum. The Norse have tied three of their last four matches against Cincinnati, Ohio and Bellarmine, while posting a 5-0 home win over Morehead State. NKU has outscored opponents, 19-4, in non-conference play.
 
Junior forward Megan Molner leads the Norse with five goals and scored the equalizer against Cincinnati in their most recent outing. As of Wednesday, NKU ranks 24th nationally in scoring offense and is tied for 30th in points per game.
 
History vs. NKU
Thursday's contest will mark the seventh meeting between EKU and NKU since 2016. The Norse lead the all-time series, 4-2, and have won four of the last five matchups.
 
However, EKU claimed last year's meeting, 3-1, in Highland Heights behind two goals from senior forward Maddy Murphy. She was named Atlantic Sun Conference Player of the Week following that performance.
 
Scouting Duquesne
Duquesne (4-2) will host Youngstown State before traveling to Lexington on Sunday. The Dukes have dropped two of their last three matches, falling to West Virginia and Bowling Green, but own notable wins over Kent State (3-2), Mercyhurst (6-0) and Cleveland State (4-1).
 
History vs. Duquesne
Sunday's meeting will be the first between EKU and Duquesne. It will also mark the Colonels' first-ever contest against an Atlantic 10 Conference opponent.