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HomeSportsAPSU Women's Soccer takes down Evansville, 2-0

APSU Women’s Soccer takes down Evansville, 2-0

APSU Sports Information

APSU Soccer - Austin Peay State UniversityEvansville, IN – Austin Peay State University (APSU) women’s soccer team defeated Evansville, 2-0, to claim the first road victory in the Naomi Kolarova era, Sunday, at McCutchan Stadium.

The Govs made one change to the starting lineup after their season-opening win against Middle Tennessee, with Pamela Penaloza coming into the midfield.

Austin Peay Women's Soccer scores two goals in the first half to get road victory over Evansville, Sunday. (APSU Sports Information)
Austin Peay Women’s Soccer scores two goals in the first half to get road victory over Evansville, Sunday. (APSU Sports Information)

Evansville came out strong in the first ten minutes, taking a couple of shots and having more possession in the Govs’ half of the field, but the Govs quickly woke up.

Evansville goalkeeper Micheala Till pulled off two saves in quick succession to deny Abby Therrell and Shelby Stewart in the 12th minute, but the breakthrough came not too long after. Claire Larose received the ball from Goodwin Brown and broke free from a defender and slotted the ball into the net for a 1-0 lead in the 18th minute.

The Govs doubled their lead shortly before halftime with senior striker McKenzie Dixon scoring from the top of the box off an assist from Gybson Roth. The Govs went into the break with a healthy 2-0 advantage.

Evansville opened the second half much like the first, as they roared forward in search of a goal to reduce the deficit, but only were able to hit the post as the Govs thwarted their attacks.

Kolarova went deep into her bench in the second half for more fresh legs, as the Govs used 24 players in total. Brice Bement, who came on in the second half, hit the post as well around midway through the second half.

Till continued to keep the Purple Aces within striking distance, making a couple very good saves after Bement’s shot narrowly stayed out.

The Govs were able to keep the pressure on Evansville, even while leading 2-0, having a couple shots and corner kicks in the final ten minutes as Austin Peay closed the game out and started out the season with two wins from two matches.

APSU is back in action Friday for a home contest against Alabama A&M.

Notably

  • The win is the first road win in Kolarova’s career at Austin Peay
  • Austin Peay has now won the last two matches against Evansville
  • The Govs posted back-to-back shutouts, the first time that has happened September 10th, 2017 (3-0 v Little Rock, September 8th, 3-0 v Mississippi Valley State, September 10th)
  • The shutout was the first shutout on the road for the Govs since September 22nd, 2016 against Morehead State
  • Dixon’s goal was her 14th career goal, moving her up to a tie for sixth all-time

 

Naomi Kolarova’s Thoughts

On her team’s performance
“I thought we came out sluggish in the opening ten minutes, but then we woke up and settled into the game. Our energy and desire to get forward paid off with two great goals. We wanted to continue that intensity the remainder of the game and were able to in the second half as we rested players and got others some game time and experience. I’m glad we were able to capitalize on our chances, as well as get another clean sheet.”

On the match overall
“We had a few lapses defensively as a team, but overall worked hard to break up play and prevent shots. On the offensive end we created some good chances, but the Evansville keeper did well making a couple big saves. It was an exciting game with action at both ends and with both teams looking hungry. I keep telling the ladies, one game at a time and improve every day. I think we did that tonight.”

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