MIAMI — A second half goal by Kenlee Newcom led WKU Soccer (5-5-3, 2-2-1 C-USA) to a 1-0 road win at FIU (2-6-3, 0-3-3 C-USA) on Friday night in the Lady Toppers' lone match of the week.
"FIU is a very good team and we have the utmost respect for their program," said head coach Jason Neidell. "They really took it to us in the first half. We made some adjustments at halftime, and our players responded with great discipline. What a joy to see Kenlee Newcom score her first career goal after the injury hardships that she has faced. I'm just really proud of our players. This was a very big win for our team."
WKU was on the defense for much of the first half with FIU getting off seven shots in the first 45. In the 28th minute, Alexis Bach made a goal line save that kept the Panthers off the board. FIU got a header shot off a free kick that Bach caught in midair and kept the ball off the line despite falling backwards.
The Lady Toppers came out in the second half looking like the more aggressive team, getting off seven shots in the frame. That included a shot that bounced off the crossbar from Kayla Meyer and the goal from Newcom. Coming into the match off the bench, Newcom made an immediate impact. WKU was awarded a corner kick in the 71st minute. Carmen Marin took the kick for WKU, sending the ball into the box. The ball pinballed around to Anna Isger and Emily Speidel before making it to Newcom who finished it off.
It was Newcom's first career goal at WKU.
The shutout was the sixth of the season for WKU and the fifth of the year for goalkeeper Bach. The WKU defense continues to show its muscles, holding opponents to just nine goals in 11 matches.
WKU will be back at the WKU Soccer Complex on Thursday, Oct. 13 to host Florida Atlantic at 6 p.m.
How to follow the Lady Toppers: For complete information on WKU Soccer, visit WKUSports.com or follow the program via social media @WKU_Soccer on Twitter and Instagram and @WKUSoccer on Facebook.
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