RICHMOND, Ky. - The Eastern Kentucky University soccer team returns to Richmond for its home opener against Cleveland State on Sunday, Aug. 16 at the EKU Soccer Field.
 
Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. Admission is free, and fans can pick up a 2026 EKU women's soccer team poster while supplies last. The match will not be streamed, but live stats will be available.
 
EKU (0-1) opened its season with a 3-0 loss at Cincinnati on Wednesday. Sophomore goalkeeper Jordan LeVasseur recorded six saves while facing 15 shots on the day.
 
The Colonels finished the match with three shots, including one on goal from senior Rachel Robinson in the second half.
 
Three EKU freshmen made their collegiate debuts in the opener. Calista Everson and Ronnie Ariel earned starts, while Kaitlyn Bothe appeared as a reserve.
 
Entering the season, the Colonels were picked to finish first in the UAC preseason coaches' poll.
 
LeVasseur was named the UAC Preseason Goalkeeper of the Year and joined Avery May, Ana Manning, Lauren Link, Chiara Premoli and Robinson on the Preseason All-UAC Team.
 
SCOUTING THE VIKINGS

Cleveland State enters Sunday's match after a 3-0 loss to Kent State on Thursday. The Vikings (0-1) recorded 10 shots, including six on goal. Kent State attempted 14 shots in the win and scored three goals on six shots on target.

The Vikings finished the 2025 season with a 4-6-7 record and were picked to finish ninth in the Horizon League preseason poll.
 
The Vikings scored 17 goals and allowed 23 last season, while EKU scored 30 goals, averaging 1.58 per match.
 
Sunday's matchup marks the fifth meeting between the programs, with Cleveland State leading the all-time series, 3-1. The teams last met in 2015, when the Vikings earned a 2-1 victory.
 
Cleveland State returns several key players, including forward Corlyn Hefty, who scored four goals last season. Goalkeeper Hayleigh Lewis also returns after starting 13 matches and recording 65 saves in 2025.
 
The Colonels last defeated a Horizon League opponent in 2025, earning a 2-1 win over Northern Kentucky, who later advanced to the Horizon League Championship final.
 
EKU was one of 23 NCAA Division I teams to finish the 2025 season unbeaten at home, posting a 7-0-3 record. The Colonels have not lost at home since Sept. 19, 2024, earning 42 points across their last 15 home matches.