EKU SOCCER BLANKS WESTERN CAROLINA, PICKS UP FOURTH STRAIGHT WIN

RICHMOND, Ky. – The red-hot Eastern Kentucky University soccer team notched a 1-0 victory over the Western Carolina Catamounts on Sunday afternoon at EKU Soccer Field.

It is the Colonels’ fourth straight win. The longest winning streak in program history is five, set back in 2010.

EKU (4-2-0) weathered an early onslaught of shots, as the Catamounts put four shots on frame in the first nine minutes of the game. Junior keeper Anna Hall stood tall, however, and did not yield a goal.

The EKU defense eventually settled in and allowed only two more shots on goal the rest of the game.

Sophomore Tara Claus delivered the game’s decisive goal in the 41^st minute on a penalty kick. It was her first career score.

“We talked before the game about having to grind through the middle part of the season,” head coach Nick Flohre said. “As we expected, this was one of those games we had to find a way to win. Western Carolina is very tough to play against, but our players worked hard and worked together to earn the victory.”

Hall made six saves en route to her third shutout in the Colonels’ last four games. She moves into a tie with Erika Wolfer for second all-time at EKU with eight career shutouts.

Sophomore center backs Haley Kemper and Kacy Eckley played all 90 minutes of the shutout.

EKU outshout WCU, 14-12, on the day. Junior Jordan Foster led all players with seven shots.

“We’re learning what we’re capable of when we work for each other,” Flohre added. “It’s a valuable lesson as we wrap up non-conference play.”

The Colonels close out non-conference play on Friday when Chattanooga comes to Richmond. First touch is set for 4:00 p.m.

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