CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. –The University of Evansville women's soccer team opened the 2025 campaign in grand fashion on Thursday night, using a four-goal outburst to down SEMO by a score of 4-3. The victory marked the Aces' first season-opening victory since 2018, while the four goals were their most in a game since 2014. 

Preseason all-conference selection Taylor Johnson (Evansville, Ind./Reitz) led the way for Evansville, tallying three points on an assist in the 52^nd minute and the game-winning goal in the 84^th minute. Taylor Wehrer (Las Vegas, Nev./Desert Oasis) scored the Aces' first goal of the season in the 32^nd minute, while Isa Valdez (Phoenix, Ariz./Desert Vista) scored her first career goal and Emmy Brenner (Arlington, Tenn./St. Benedict at Auburndale) added goal to lead Evansville offensively. 

Evansville faced an early deficit, as SEMO grabbed the lead with a goal in the 8^th minute of play. However, Wehrer helped the Aces respond later in the first half with a run into the box before finishing a shot into the right corner of the net for the equalizer. SEMO regained the lead with a goal in the 39^th minute, but the Aces responded once again on a goal from Valdez 59 seconds later to make it a 2-2 game at halftime. 

The Aces opened the second half on the attack, and their aggression would pay off in the 52^nd minute as Johnson delivered a beautiful ball into the box for Brenner, who chipped a shot over the keeper for the go-ahead goal. The lead held for 25 minutes, but SEMO found a way to respond by scoring in the 77^th minute, leveling things once again. However, Johnson would not let the Aces go home without a victory. The junior delivered another huge offensive effort, taking a pass from Brooklyn Robinson (West Haven, Utah/Fremont) before using her speed to beat the defense and deliver the game-winning goal in the 84^th minute. 

"Obviously scoring four goals is a huge incentive." said UE head coach Chris Pfau.  "We have to clean up some stuff in the back, but at the end of the day it's a win on the road scoring four goals."

"Taylor Johnson and the players up front played with energy and enthusiasm, and they got confidence, and it showed on the field."

Evansville out-shot SEMO 17-10 overall, including holding a 10-6 edge in shots on goal.  Johnson led UE with four shots, putting all four on goal, while Ella Hamner (Evansville, Ind./Memorial) also tallied four shots. Elke Travis (Henderson, Nev./Faith Lutheran) made three saves in goal for Evansville.

With the victory, Evansville improves to 1-0-0 overall. The Aces will be back in action next Thursday for a road match at Lindenwood.