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HomeSportsAPSU Soccer travels to SIU Edwardsville, Eastern Illinois

APSU Soccer travels to SIU Edwardsville, Eastern Illinois

APSU Sports Information

APSU Soccer - Austin Peay State UniversityClarksville, TN – Austin Peay State University (APSU) women’s soccer team looks to remain atop the Ohio Valley Conference standings as they travel to Illinois for two road matches against SIU Edwardsville, 7:00pm, Friday, September 21st and Eastern Illinois, 1:00pm, Sunday, September 23rd.

The Govs (6-2-1, 1-0-1 OVC) currently sit atop the Ohio Valley Conference standings with four points from their opening weekend (Draw vs Belmont, win vs Tennessee Tech).

Austin Peay Women's Soccer has OVC road matches this weekend against SIU Edwardsville and Eastern Illinois. (APSU Sports Information)
Austin Peay Women’s Soccer has OVC road matches this weekend against SIU Edwardsville and Eastern Illinois. (APSU Sports Information)

In addition, the Govs head into this weekend boasting the OVC Offensive Player of the Week in Claire Larose. Larose scored both goals for the Govs last weekend, bringing her season total to five, which is good for second in the conference.

While the Govs have enjoyed unprecedented success at home the past few years, the Govs have faltered on the road. Austin Peay is on a 14-match conference unbeaten streak at home and a 21-match unbeaten streak overall at home (both program records), but the Govs are only 2-11-2 away from home in conference matches since 2015.

The Govs were only 1-6-1 overall on the road last year and made improving their road performances a major focus, which has resulted in a 2-2 record so far this year, with wins over Evansville and Mercer.

Opponent Spotlight

SIU Edwardsville CougarsThe Cougars (2-5, 1-1 OVC) have not had the greatest start to their season, but played some tough opponents on their non-conference schedule. The Cougars did win their conference-opener, however, winning on the road, 2-1, against Eastern Kentucky before losing to Morehead State, 1-0, in their most recent outing.

Forward Amanda DiNardo leads SIUE with three goals this season as well. The Govs lead the all-time series, as they have a 6-2-3 record against the Cougars, including a 2-1 win in Clarksville last season. Senior Jennifer Smith scored from the penalty spot in the match last year.

Eastern Illinois PanthersThe Panthers (2-4-3, 1-0-1 OVC) are currently tied with the Govs for the early lead atop the OVC Standings, although that could change before the two teams even play each other. EIU hosts Murray State on Friday, before doing battle with the Govs on Sunday.

The Panthers went on the road with resounding success, defeating Morehead State, 1-0, and then earning a hard-fought scoreless draw with Eastern Kentucky.

The Panthers have a very balanced offense, with three players leading the team with two goals. All three of these players also have one assist to their names, giving them five total points on the year.

The Panthers also have the OVC Defensive Player of the Week in Kate Olson and the OVC Goalkeeper of the Week in Sara Teteak. The Govs are only 6-8-2 against the Panthers all-time, but have won six of the last eight meetings, including a 2-0 win last season. Shelby Stewart scored the opener last season to help along the Govs.

The SIUE match will be broadcast on the OVC Digital Network, as well as having live stats.

EIU will also provide live stats for fans to follow along with.

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