RICHMOND, Ky. - A 31st-minute goal proved to be the difference as the Eastern Kentucky University women's soccer team fell 1-0 to North Alabama in its home finale on Sunday.
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UNA's Charlotte Sobotka found space inside the box and delivered the match's lone goal, handing the Colonels their first conference home loss since Sept. 19, 2024.
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Despite the loss, EKU (8-6-3, 4-2-2 UAC) remains atop the UAC Blue Division, three points ahead of North Alabama. With two regular-season matches remaining, the Colonels can clinch a first-round bye in the UAC Tournament with a win or draw in either contest.
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Four Colonels shared the team lead with two shots apiece:
Chiara Premoli,
Avery May,
Robin Reilly and
Lauren Link. Link returned to action for the first time since suffering an injury on Sept. 6. The Cincinnati native scored three goals in six appearances before the injury and adds another scoring threat as the Colonels approach the postseason.
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EKU outshot the Lions 11-9, but UNA claimed the 6-4 advantage in shots on target.
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The opening 45 minutes were a defensive battle, with each team limited to three shots. North Alabama broke through in the 31st minute, working the ball down the left side before sending a cross through the box to an unmarked Sobotka, who finished into the top-right corner.
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After the goal, the Colonels became more aggressive, firing 10 shots in the final 51 minutes. EKU's best opportunity came in the 71st minute when a cross found
Emma Wolf in the center of the box, but the shot sailed high.
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Despite the loss,
Jordan LeVasseur had another strong showing, making five saves as UNA recorded nine shots. The sophomore now has 181 career saves with the Colonels, just six shy of moving into fourth place in program history.
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EKU will close the regular season next week with its final two games coming on the road against West Georgia and Austin Peay. The Colonels were able to pick up two wins against the programs earlier this season.
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