EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Coming off their first MVC-opening win since 2021 on Saturday, the University of Evansville women's soccer team prepares for a showdown between the top two teams in the MVC to this point in the season as they travel to Carbondale, Ill. to take on Southern Illinois. Both teams enter Thursday's match with 1-0 records in conference play, while the Salukis' 7-1-2 overall record is the top mark in the MVC followed by Evansville at 5-2-1. Kick-off is scheduled for 6 PM.
Last Time Out
Evansville won their first MVC opener since 2021 on Saturday, taking down UIC by a score of 2-1 at Arad McCutchan Stadium.
Evansville scored twice in the matter of three and a half minutes, with Brooklyn Robinson (West Haven, Utah/Fremont)scoring her first goal of the season in the 26
th minute, and Ella McAndrew (Greendale, Ind./ Lawrenceburg) scoring her first career goal in the 30
th minute.
UIC threatened early in the match, putting up five shots in the first 17 minutes of action. However, UE goalkeeper Allie Lammers (Cincinnati, Ohio/Mount Notre Dame) continued her strong play in goal, making two saves to keep the Flames off the board.
Evansville started the scoring in the 26
th minute, with Brielle LaBerge (Cumming, Ga./Forsyth Central) sending a long ball downfield for Robinson. The junior took one touch 10 yards from the box and got a shot off right before a charging UIC keeper could get to it, finding the back of the net to put the Aces ahead.
The Aces would add to their lead shortly after when Isa Valdez made a long run with the ball before sending a through ball into the top of the box for Josie Seehafer (Inver Grove Heights, Minn./Eagan), who found McAndrew at the post to tap in the goal.
The score remained 2-0 into the halftime break and stayed that way for the first 26 minutes of the second half. However, UIC was able to cut into the lead in the 72
nd minute, as Addison Carriere got the Flames on the scoreboard. The goal was the first allowed by Lammers this season, ending her scoreless streak at 387 minutes.
Following the goal, Evansville's defense held strong for the rest of the contest to help the Aces secure the 2-1 win.
Series History
Sunday marks the sixth all-time meeting between Evansville and SIU. The Aces hold a 2-1-2 advantage in the series and took last season's meeting by a score of 2-0.
Scouting SIU
SIU brings a league-best 7-1-2 record into Thursday's match and join Evansville and Drake as the three Valley squads to win their conference opener. The Salukis defeated Belmont last Thursday to begin MVC play by a score of 2-1.
Follow Along
Thursday's match will be streamed live on ESPN+. Live stats are available at GoPurpleAces.com.
