WKU women’s soccer secured its first win of the season in commanding fashion, defeating Union (Tenn.) 4-0 on Thursday night at the WKU Soccer Complex. Kayla Meyer led the charge with two goals, while Olivia Cooke and Rebecca Roth each added a goal to the Hilltoppers’ tally.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The scoring began in the 21st minute when senior Kayla Meyer broke through Union’s defense and unleashed a shot from 20 yards out that ricocheted off the crossbar and into the net. WKU doubled their lead 20 minutes later, with Rylee Finol threading a pass to Olivia Cooke, who calmly finished from the top of the box, sending the Hilltoppers into halftime with a 2-0 lead.
In the 51st minute, Cooke set up Rebecca Roth, who fired a shot from 20 yards out to extend WKU’s lead to 3-0. Meyer capped off the scoring in the 78th minute, reacting quickly to a rebound off the post from an Ashton Lynam shot, securing her second goal of the night and sealing the 4-0 victory.
NOTABLES
- Kayla Meyer’s goals were her first of the season, bringing her career total to nine, including three game-winners. She now leads the team in goals and points this season.
- Olivia Cooke’s goal marked her fourth career goal. With both a goal and an assist in the game, she is tied for second on the team in points this season with three. Cooke also has five career assists.
- Ashton Lynam, who scored WKU’s lone goal against Austin Peay, recorded her third point of the season with an assist against Union, tying her with Cooke for second on the team.
- Rebecca Roth’s goal was the second of her career and her first of the season.
- Goalkeeper Maddie Davis made three saves, earning her first shutout of the year and the ninth of her career. This clean sheet ties her for the sixth most career shutouts in WKU history, alongside Nikki Hall and Nora Abolins.
- WKU outshot Union 26-7, with a dominant 17-4 advantage in the first half.
- The Hilltoppers maintain a perfect 4-0 record against Union all-time.
QUOTABLE
“I thought we came out a little bit shaky,” said head coach Jason Neidell. “I thought our confidence may be a little rattled. It took a great goal by Kayla Meyer to really get us going. I thought that moment in the game really changed the game and boosted our confidence. I thought we played really well after that.”
“I think we did really well (against Union),” added senior Kayla Meyer. “I think we came out and gave it our all and we got the (win).”
NEXT UP
WKU women’s soccer will continue its homestand with a match against Evansville on Sunday, Aug. 25, at 6 p.m. at the WKU Soccer Complex.
