Box Score RICHMOND, Ky. – Eastern Kentucky defeated SIUE 2-1 Friday afternoon in Ohio Valley Conference women's soccer at the EKU Soccer Field.
The loss drops the Cougars to 7-6-2 overall and 4-3-1 in the OVC. EKU improves to 8-6-2 and 4-2-1 in the OVC. The Colonels are undefeated at home this year, improving to 7-0-1 with the victory.
"The tale of the game was a slow start in the first half," SIUE Head Coach Derek Burton said. "We were a step slower than Eastern Kentucky to start the game."
The Cougars took a 1-0 lead just 2:10 into the game when senior Kristen Dailey, starting for just the third time this season, netted her second goal of the season.
"(Kristen) had a really good couple of days in practice," Burton said. "I just had a feeling."
Burton said the early goal wasn't a result of the way the game started.
"You'd think we had a good start with the quick goal," he said. "Being up 1-0 wasn't indicative of the way we started the game."
Sarah Doggendorf picked up the assist on the goal, sliding a through ball to Dailey 22 yards away from goal.
"Doggendorf played extremely well the entire game," Burton said. "She was one of a few players who had a good and energetic start to the game."
EKU got all of the offense it would need with a pair of unanswered goals before the end of the half.
Hayley Wright tied the game in the 11th minute with her first goal of the season. Lauren Fant connected on the game-winner, her third goal of the year, in the 20th minute. Emily D'Italia picked up the assist on a corner kick.
"In conference play, and especially in crunch time in conference play, you cannot afford to start a game not competing at the best of your abilities," Burton added. "We were dominant in the second half, but by then it was too late."
For the game, SIUE outshot Eastern Kentucky 13-9.
SIUE continues the road swing Sunday afternoon at Morehead State. Kickoff is slated for 12 pm CT.
"We had a very good talk after the game," Burton said. "Now we have to go out and do it instead of just talking about it.
"The players have to make the change," he continued. "I have confidence in the group we have."
