The teams played three 30-minute periods rather than the traditional 45-minutes halves.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Both teams were scoreless through the first 70 minutes, but the intensity picked up in the final 20. The Bulldogs were first on the scoreboard, finding the back of the net in the 72nd minute in the run of play.
WKU threatened in the 74th minute on a corner kick. Sophia Lezizidis found April McDonald off the corner and McDonald sent a shot into the center bar, but the ball bounced back out and Samford was able to clear. A few moments later, WKU was able to threaten again on a corner kick when McDonald got off another shot, but the Samford keeper made the save.
The Hilltoppers finally broke through with a penalty kick in the 86th minute. Freshman Rose Finnegan took the kick for WKU and tied the score.
Neither team scored in the final minutes of the match.
QUOTABLE
"That was a good measuring stick today," said head coach Jason Neidell. "We played a really good Samford team who was coming off a win against Ole Miss two days ago. It was the second exhibition for both teams, so I think you saw a little fatigue set in today in the heat. We're really pleased with where we are. Several of our freshmen stepped up today and it was really good to get them some experience."
NOTABLES
- Mia Riddick played in goal for the first 60 minutes of the game and Emma Teague came in and played the final 30. Riddick finished the game with three saves and Teague notched four.
NEXT UP
The Hilltoppers will officially open the 2026 season with Missouri on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 7:00 PM at the WKU Soccer Complex. Admission to all WKU Soccer games at WKU Soccer Complex is free.
