Box Score

Tournament Bracket

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Just 2:48 minutes into Sunday afternoon’s match at Arad McCutchan Stadium, sophomore forward Kaitlin Robinett scored the game-winning goal, as the University of Evansville women’s soccer team shut out the visiting Drake Bulldogs in the opening round of the State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Tournament. The No. 4 seeded Purple Aces (4-11-4) will take on No. 1 Illinois State in the semifinals Friday at 3:30 p.m. CT in Springfield, Mo.

In the third minute of play, a corner kick taken by sophomore Stephanie Thompson led to a jumble in the box. After a few exchanges forced goalkeeper Kalena Litch to favor the right post, Robinett was able to find the back left corner of the net for the lone goal of the contest.

Evansville dominated the opening period, taking six shots, while not allowing the Bulldogs a single attempt on goal.

In the second half, Drake’s offense picked up, recording a 12-1 shot advantage, while also taking six shots on goal. However, Chaviel Harrison and the UE defense made all the stops to preserve the shutout.

The Bulldogs’ best chance to score occurred with 2:10 remaining in the match. Drake’s push ahead made for a one-on-one situation, but Harrison’s aggressive play paid off, as she came sliding out of the top of the penalty box to stop the breakaway and secure the ball.

Harrison finished with six saves in the match and the shutout, her fifth of the year.

Robinett and junior Kristen Davis led UE with two shots on goal. In addition, Thompson and junior Olivia Robinson (penalty kick) each added one.