THURSDAY'S SCORES
@Arkansas State 2,
UT Martin 0
Evansville 2,
@Southeast Missouri 1
@Cincinnati 2,
Eastern Kentucky 1
ARKANSAS STATE 2, UT MARTIN 0
JONESBORO, Ark. - The University of Tennessee at Martin soccer team outshot host Arkansas State by a 19-5 margin this afternoon but a pair of first half goals carried the Red Wolves to a 2-0 win in the season opener for both squads.
The Skyhawks doubled up Arkansas State in shots on goal (6-3) but UT Martin could not find the back of the net. The Skyhawks held a 9-4 shot advantage in the opening half while outshooting the Red Wolves by a 10-1 margin in the final 45 minutes.
A total of 10 different UT Martin players attempted a shot this afternoon, led by Danae Kaldaridou’s four attempts. Skylor Keane (three shots) heavily contributed to the Skyhawk offensive attack while Sara Ketis, Nicole Collins, Alice Adams and Skylar Boes each added two shots apiece for UT Martin.
Sophomore Erica Myers was one of two Skyhawks to log the full 90 minutes today, as the goalkeeper made one save in net. Defender Kaci Mitchell also went the distance for UT Martin today.
Arkansas State got on the scoreboard in the 12th minute after a Riley Ebenroth free kick from 25 yards out snuck past Myers. The Skyhawks placed five shots on goal in the first half before Maggie Ertl added another goal for the Red Wolves at the 41st minute.
UT Martin once again peppered the goal in the second half while the Skyhawk defense limited Arkansas State to just a single shot attempt (in the 72nd minute). However, UT Martin could not break through as the Red Wolves held on for the win.
The Skyhawks are back in action next week, traveling to Marshall on Friday, Aug. 24 before the home opener takes place against Jackson State at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 26.
CINCINNATI 2, EASTERN KENTUCKY 1
CINCINNATI, Ohio - The Eastern Kentucky University soccer team led for most of the game, but host Cincinnati scored two late goals to escape with a 2-1 win in both teams’ season opener on a rainy Thursday night at Gettler Stadium.
EKU grabbed a quick lead when junior Erin Torrence headed in a beautiful cross from sophomore Katie Shaffer in the ninth minute to make it 1-0, visitors.
Following a lightning delay, EKU held firm through the rest of the first half and took the lead into halftime.
Monsoon weather arrived in the second half, as did the Cincinnati offense. In the 64th minute, Kiki Lowell headed in a ball off a set piece to level it. Five minutes later, Brandi Thomsen got to a loose ball and tipped a shot past EKU goalkeeper Billie Clark in the driving rain. That goal proved to be the winner.
EKU was outshot in the game, 16-10. Junior Bailly Bounds and freshman Sarah Owusu led the Colonels with three shots apiece. Torrence, Owusu and junior Monica Rios all put shots on frame for EKU.
Senior Kacy Eckley and sophomores Katie Shaffer and Claire Hicks all went the distance on EKU’s backline.
Playing in her first collegiate game, Clark played admirably in goal, making seven saves in less-than-ideal conditions.
EKU returns to action next Tuesday, August 21, at East Tennessee State. First touch is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET.
EVANSVILLE 2, SOUTHEAST MISSOURI 1
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - Southeast Missouri opened its 2018 season at home on Thursday with a 2-1 loss to visiting Evansville.
After a scoreless first half, junior Esmie Gonzales got the Redhawks on the board with a goal at the 52:28 mark. Sophomore Emily Holten recorded the assist.
Evansville would scored two unanswered goals including the game winner with just under five minutes left in regulation.
Southeast Missouri is back in action on Tuesday when it hosts Missouri State.