The Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) women’s soccer team will travel to Northern Kentucky for a non-conference showdown on Thursday night at the NKU Soccer Stadium. The match is scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m. EST, and admission is free for all attendees. Fans planning to make the trip are encouraged to review NKU’s entrance and tailgating policies, which may differ from those in Richmond.
Match Details:
- Opponent: Northern Kentucky (1-4)
- Date: Thursday, September 5
- Time: 7 p.m. EST
- Location: NKU Soccer Stadium, Highland Heights, Ky.
Recent Performance:
In their last outing, the Colonels (1-3-1) played to a 2-2 come-from-behind draw against former conference rival Eastern Illinois at home. EKU’s dynamic freshman forward duo, Ana Manning and Ella Grode, each scored in the match, with both also contributing an assist.
Grode notched the first goal of her collegiate career in the 88th minute to equalize the game. Prior to joining EKU, Grode was a prolific scorer at Avon Lake High School, tallying 127 goals over four years. She currently ranks second on the team in shots (10) and shots on goal (3) during her freshman season.
Manning has been a standout for EKU this season, leading the team with 19 shots, 10 of which have been on target, including two goals. The Loveland, Ohio native is ranked in the top 55 nationally for shots on goal and shots per game.
Three of EKU’s four goals this season have been assisted, with four different Colonels providing the assists.
Homecoming for EKU Players:
Thursday’s match will be a homecoming event for several members of the EKU squad, as 11 student-athletes on the 2024 roster hail from the Greater Cincinnati area.
Scouting Northern Kentucky:
The NKU Norse are coming off their first win of the season, a 2-1 victory over Mercyhurst at home last Sunday. Despite their 1-4 record, NKU has faced tough competition, including Western Michigan, Miami (Ohio), and Louisville. The Norse have been outscored 13-4 this season, with their four goals coming from four different players. Junior forward Emilie Doersching leads the team with a 55.6 percent shot on goal rate.
NKU’s head coach Bob Sheehan is in his 28th season, boasting 354 career wins and guiding the program to four 20-win seasons.
Series History:
Thursday’s match marks the sixth meeting between EKU and NKU. The Norse lead the series 4-1 and have a plus-four goal differential. In their last encounter in Richmond, NKU secured a 2-0 shutout victory over the Colonels. EKU is aiming for its first win against NKU since 2016.
The Colonels will look to build on their recent momentum and secure a crucial non-conference victory on the road.
