RICHMOND, Ky. - The Eastern Kentucky University women's soccer team concluded non-conference play with a 2-0 loss to Xavier on Thursday at EKU Soccer Field.
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Xavier produced 28 shots and placed 11 on target, but sophomore goalkeeper
Jordan LeVasseur kept EKU within striking distance throughout the match. The Michigan native recorded a season-high eight saves, highlighted by a penalty-kick stop in the 45th minute.
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With her performance, LeVasseur moved into sixth place on EKU's all-time saves list with 138 career stops.
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The Musketeers opened the scoring in the ninth minute, capitalizing on a corner kick by burying the rebound after the initial shot was saved.
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The Colonels' best opportunity to equalize came in the 42nd minute when freshman
Calista Everson advanced the ball down the right side and found
Avery May, whose shot toward the left corner was saved by the Xavier goalkeeper.
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EKU held Xavier scoreless for the remainder of the first half, with LeVasseur making six saves to keep the Colonels within striking distance.
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The Musketeers expanded their lead in the 54th minute, finding the back of the net with a shot from the left side of the box to secure the 2-0 victory.
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Despite the result, head coach
Matt Cosinuke was encouraged by the Colonels' execution and effort against the Musketeers.
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"I appreciate our team's willingness to battle and defend today," Cosinuke said. "We had a game plan to limit their dangerous moments and exploit what we thought were opportunities and spaces in transition. Outside of one or two moments, I thought the team executed the game plan very well and could have come away with a different result. I look forward to our response in training and preparation for two very difficult opening conference games next week."
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EKU now turns its attention to United Athletic Conference play, hosting Austin Peay on Thursday before welcoming West Georgia to EKU Soccer Field on Sunday. The two matches will mark the beginning of the Colonels' inaugural season in the UAC.
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