Eastern Kentucky University Athletics

RICHMOND, Ky. - The Eastern Kentucky University soccer team fell to Miami (Ohio), 1-0, Thursday afternoon at EKU Soccer Field.
 
Lauren Link led EKU (3-3) with four shots. Through six matches, the Ohio native is tied for second on the team with 11 shots this season, including seven on goal.
 
Avery May followed Link with two shot attempts.
 
Jordan LeVasseur played all 90 minutes in goal, making four saves for the second consecutive match while facing 13 shots.
 
The first half featured a hard-fought defensive battle, with both back lines limiting the opposition to four shots and three attempts on goal.
 
The Colonels' best opportunity of the first half came in the 14th minute when Link fired a shot from the right side of the box, but Miami goalkeeper Dominique Poppa made the save.
 
The RedHawks nearly opened the scoring in the 27th minute when an attacker fired a shot toward the bottom-right corner, but a diving LeVasseur made a fingertip save.
 
After the match remained scoreless through the first half, Miami's offense began to take control and held a 9-5 advantage in shots during the second half.
 
The RedHawks scored the match's lone goal in the 67th minute when Millie Cook headed home a corner kick from Maris Jennings to give Miami a 1-0 lead.
 
The Colonels nearly found the equalizer in the 86th minute when Peyton Smith connected with Link on a through ball. Poppa tipped Link's shot, slowing it down and allowing a Miami defender to make a diving clearance before the ball crossed the goal line. Despite the late opportunity, EKU was unable to find the equalizer.
 
The Colonels remain home to host USC Upstate at 1 p.m. Sunday for Senior Day.
 
EKU will honor Chiara Premoli, Juliet Strange, and Rachel Robinson for their contributions to the program.
 
Admission is free. Fans are encouraged to arrive early for the pregame Senior Day festivities.