EVANSVILLE - Led by a dominant defensive effort, the University of Evansville women's soccer team captured a 1-0 shutout victory over Southern Illinois on Wednesday evening at Arad McCutchan Stadium in Evansville.

In goal, fifth-year senior Michaela Till moved closer to a program record with an exceptional performance between the posts. Till recorded eight saves, including a diving save late in the match, moving her within eight of the program record for career saves. The 1-0 win also marked the Avon, Ind. native's 16th career shutout, putting her just one behind tying Misty Long for second all-time at UE. 

On the attack, it was again a connection between seniors Alex Eyler and Emily Ormson that produced successful results. Ormson's goal in the 10th minute increased her team lead with her sixth goal of the season, moving Ormson into a tie for second in The Valley in the category. Delivering the cross into the box, Eyler continued her tear this season, recording her sixth of the season and her fourth in five matches.

Evansville's attack got started quick right out of the gate, finding the scoreboard early with the aforementioned goal. In the 10th minute, Eyler dribbled into to the side of the 18-yard box, sending a cross into the six. As the ball sailed over the keepers head, Ormson put herself in the proper spot, volleying the ball into the upper netting and giving the Aces an early lead. After scoring the early goal, Evansville locked-in defensively and prevented the Salukis from generating goal-scoring opportunities, taking the one-goal lead to the break.

The second half presented some challenges for the Aces as SIU began to hit on the counter. While Evansville outshot the Salukis, 10-6, in the first half, SIU played evenly with the Aces in the second 45 minutes as both teams recorded six shots in the period. The best chance of the night came in the 87th minute as SIU's Ashley Scesniak turned inside the box and whipped a shot on frame that Till dove and tipped over the crossbar to help preserve Evansville's lead in the 1-0 win.

Evansville gets 10 days to prepare for its next match, an important showdown with Valparaiso on the road at 7 PM on Saturday, October 23 in Valparaiso, Ind.
 

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