For Immediate Release

eureka, illinois

September 6, 2007

Zapushek hat trick leads EC to first ever soccer win

WOMEN'S SOCCER

EUREKA — Thursday was a historical day for Eureka College soccer as the Red Devils (1-2) baptized their new home field with their first ever goal, hat trick and win as an NCAA program.

KT Zapushek (Metamora, Ill./HS) provided the game winning tally, her third of the contest, in the 64th minute to make the score Eureka 5, Rockford 4. Eureka created numerous scoring chances after the sun set, but eventually settled for a one goal victory as the game was called due to darkness with 12:10 remaining.

The Maroon and Gold dominated play in the second half, out-shooting Rockford 14-2. Zapushek's go-ahead marker came only seconds after Kate Huizinga (Downers Grove, Ill./South) rang a shot off the crossbar.

Zapushek registered the first goal in program history unassisted less than three minutes into the game. The Regents (2-1) scored twice within 1:07 to take their only lead of the match 2-1 before Huizinga booted in her first of the season from point blank range. Ironically, her toughest competition for the goal was teammate Jessica Smith (McLean, Ill./Olympia), who was credited with an assist on the play.

Huizinga helped set up Eureka's next two goals with passes to Smith and Zapushek as EC ran out to a 4-2 advantage. Megan Waggoner (Winnebago, Ill./HS) also had an assist on Zapushek's second goal.

Wendy Murphy, who recorded a hat trick in each of Rockford's first two games of the season, found the net with just over one minute left in the first half and again about 15 minutes into the final half to knot the count at 4-4. Less than four minutes later, Zapushek answered with the deciding marker.

Amy Funk (Decatur, Ill./Mt. Zion) made four saves en route to her first win at Eureka.

The Red Devils host Knox College for their next game, Saturday, Sept. 8 at 11:00 am.

MEN'S SOCCER

The Eureka men's soccer squad fell to Illinois Wesleyan 5-0. Garin Pisano (Metamora, Ill./HS) was again busy in goal, making 15 saves.

Justin Douglas (Peoria, Ill./Woodruff), Peter Magner (River Falls, Wis./HS) and Mark Darnall (Lake Mills, Wis./HS) recorded shots on goal for the Red Devils before the game was called due to lightning.

The Eureka men's game against Knox follows the women's game Saturday.

###

For More Information Contact:

Brian Sullivan

Sports Information Director

Eureka College

300 E. College Avenue

Eureka, Illinois 61530

309-467-6456

bsullivan@eureka.edu