The University of Louisville women’s soccer team (3-0-1) remained unbeaten on the season after securing their first road victory with a 2-1 win over Northern Kentucky (0-3-0) on Sunday night. The Cardinals scored twice in the first half and held on to claim their third win of the season. This marks the first time since 2021 that Louisville has remained unbeaten through the first four games of the season.
Louisville came out strong in the opening minutes and found the back of the net in the 17th minute off a set piece. Brooke Dardano delivered an in-swinging corner into the six-yard box, where Amber Jackson outpaced the goalkeeper and headed the ball into the goal. It was Jackson’s team-leading third goal of the season, while Dardano notched her team-best fourth assist, giving the Cardinals an early 1-0 lead.
The Cardinals extended their lead in the 33rd minute, thanks to a newcomer making her first collegiate appearance. Amelia Swinarski capitalized on a loose ball just outside the box, sending a left-footed shot inside the right post for her first career goal. Swinarski became the ninth different goal scorer for Louisville this season, putting the team up 2-0.
Louisville took the 2-0 lead into halftime, having outshot Northern Kentucky 7-1 in the first half. Remarkably, it was the first shot they had allowed in a first half through their four games this season.
Northern Kentucky managed to cut the deficit in the 72nd minute, scoring off a long free kick that was inadvertently headed into the Louisville goal by a Cardinals player. The Norse narrowed the gap to 2-1, but Louisville’s defense held firm, preventing any further shots in the final 19 minutes to secure the win. Erynn Floyd earned the victory, playing the first half and keeping Northern Kentucky off the scoreboard, with their only shot in that period hitting the crossbar.
Next up, the Cardinals will continue their road trip, traveling to face another regional rival. Louisville will take on the Cincinnati Bearcats on Thursday night at 7 p.m. ET, with the match streamed on ESPN+.
