A full day of soccer concluded the University of Evansville spring season on Saturday, when Coach Mike Jacobs' Purple Aces beat the University of Dayton 2-0 and lost a 1-0 decision to the University of Kentucky in a doubleheader at Lexington, Ky. The Aces finished the spring with a 5-2 record.

Both the Flyers and Wildcats were ranked nationally during the 2008 season, and both return a number of veterans in 2009.

"Our coaching staff has been pleased with the progress that our team has made over the course of this winter and spring," Jacobs said. "With a nucleus of seven rising sophomores and three rising juniors playing the majority of minutes for us this spring, we are encouraged by the positive experiences our team has gained against top-level competition. The 2009 regular season is only four months away, and we look forward to giving our fans something to be proud of beginning in August."

All 18 available players participated in the Dayton match. Kieran Purcell scored the first goal in the 55th minute when he knocked in his team-leading fifth goal of the spring campaign off a cross from Robby Lynch that was flicked on by Ally Mackay. Tad Kreamalmeyer scored an insurance goal in the 70th minute when he converted a long ball from Dan Gibson that was played in behind the Dayton defense.

Having to play two matches in the day took its toll in the nightcap against Kentucky, especially since Justin Sass (quad) and Mike Luttrull (hamstring) joined goalkeeper Phil Boerger and striker Tyler Crawford on the sidelines with injuries. UK tallied the only goal of the match in the 53rd minute. Jacobs cited the play of Jarrett Robbins and Mitch Mansfield, who combined to anchor the back four, and goalkeeper Ben Dempsey, who filled in admirably again for Boerger.

The Aces will get back together as a team in early August, when they begin pre-season camp in hopes of producing their fourth consecutive winning season. Coach Jacobs will be able to call on 19 returning players in 2009 along with six newcomers.