Austin Peay (1-0-0) took a 2-0 lead early in the second half, but the Hilltoppers (0-1-0) battled back to get within a goal late in the match. WKU was unable to score an equalizer.
HOW IT HAPPENED
After a scoreless first half, Austin Peay found the back of the net first in the 47th minute. The Governor attacker placed the ball in the upper right corner of the goal, just out of the reach of goalkeeper Maddie Davis. Austin Peay quickly followed up with another goal two minutes later. The scoring Governor fired the ball from slightly outside the box on the right side and lofted the ball to the far side of the goal.
The Hilltoppers cut into the lead in the 77th minute when freshman Ashton Lynam scored her first career goal. Camryn Davis found a running Maggie Morris on the right side of the field. Morris sent the ball into the box and Lynam got her foot on it and fired it past the keeper.
NOTABLES
- Lynam's goal was the first of her collegiate career. It was the first time a freshman has scored WKU's first goal of the season since the 2020 season when Ellie Belcher scored the first goal against North Alabama.
- WKU outshot Austin Peay, 11-10, in the match and had seven shots on goal compared to the Governor's six.
- Hilltopper goalkeeper Maddie Davis finished the night with four saves.
- Georgia Liapis put three shots on goal, including two dangerous looks in the first half. Alyvia Walls, Kendall Wade and Emrie Springs all had one shot on goal.
- WKU controlled possession for 55 percent of the game.
- The Hilltopper starting lineup was Madde Davis, Aspen Seaich, Brooke Sleeva, Abby Davis, Anna Isger, Mia Merritt, Alyvia Walls, Georgia Liapis, Kendall Wade, Kayla Meyer and Lily Rummo. It was the first career start for Walls and it was the first start for Abby Davis since 2022 after sitting out last season due to injury. It was the first start for transfer Merritt as a Hilltopper. In total, 20 players saw action for WKU in the season opener.
"Soccer can be a cruel game," said head coach Jason Neidell. "We dug ourselves a pretty big hole going down two goals early in the second half and just didn't have enough to equalize and get back into the game. It was nice to see Ashton Lynam score her first collegiate goal. I love this group, and there are better days ahead."
NEXT UP
WKU Soccer will host Union (Tenn.) on Thursday, Aug. 22 at 7 p.m. for the 2024 home opener at the WKU Soccer Complex.
