Box Score EVANSVILLE, Ind. - Eyeing a 2-0 start to Missouri Valley Conference play, the University of Evansville women's soccer team did just that, picking up a 1-0 victory over Valparaiso on Saturday night at Arad McCutchan Stadium.

"Obviously, we couldn't ask for a better script to start it off," said Aces women's soccer head coach Krista McKendree. "Being at home and then obviously getting both of those results, we're excited about where we've put ourselves, but know that there's a lot of work still to do. Overall, I thought we did a very good job competing. Overall, I think the whole team fought and I'm definitely excited about the atmosphere that we're creating."

Valparaiso opened the match with shots in the 10th and 14th minute, including a shot on-goal that was saved by Aces sophomore Michaela Till. Just six minutes later, Evansville returned the favor with two shots as freshman Emily Wolak put a shot on-goal that was saved by the Crusaders. After both teams recorded a shot in the latter portions of the first half, Evansville produced another chance. Senior Molly Lear dribbled to the side of the box before sliding in a cross that tipped off a group inside the box and found its way to freshman Alex Eyler who calmly found the back of the net in the 43rd minute as the Aces took a 1-0 lead to the half.
 

---

Box Score (PDF)

---

Pushing back for the equalizer in the start of the second half, Valparaiso earned three corner kicks and generated a pair of shots, but Till once again made the stop to preserve Evansville's 1-0 lead. The first 25 minutes of the second half included four shots on-goal for the Crusaders as Till stopped each one. In the 81st minute, a Crusader was fouled inside the box and awarded a penalty kick. Stepping to the spot looking to equalize the match and send it to overtime, Till came up strong once again, tipping the ball away from goal and out on the end line to keep the Aces in front, 1-0. Senior Sara Osinski nearly had an opportunity to provide Evansville with a 2-0 lead in the 85th minute as her shot dipped towards the crossbar and Valpo goalkeeper Kezia Gesell tipped it up and popped it over. With one final push, the Crusaders put a pair of shots on-goal, but Till made the saves and helped push UE to a 1-0 victory.

Osinski led the Aces with three shots, two on-goal, for Evansville, while Eyler scored the lone goal to propel UE to the win. In goal, Till posted her second-straight shutout and the fourth clean sheet of her collegiate career, while making eight saves for Evansville.

The Aces are back in action on Friday evening at 6 p.m. as Evansville closes its three-match homestand against UNI. Friday's match is Girl Scout Night and all Girl Scout members will receive free admission to the match.

• INFO: For all of the latest information on University of Evansville athletics, visit GoPurpleAces.com or follow the program on Twitter via @UEAthletics.

 

• DONATE: For information on giving to UE Athletics or its individual athletics programs, visit the DONATE tab on the top of GoPurpleAces.com.

 

• TICKETS: To purchase tickets for University of Evansville athletics events, log on to GoPurpleAces.com and click on the TICKETS tab on top of the page.