For Immediate Release

eureka, illinois

September 16, 2008

2 goal EC comeback goes for naught in SLIAC opener

Boxscore

Eureka fought back from two goals down to tie the game, but eventually dropped the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference women's soccer opener 5-2 Tuesday to Greenville College.

Jackie Sievert, who scored a hat trick on the day to lead the Panthers (4-3, 1-0 SLIAC) to victory, drew first blood as her corner kick was deflected into the net 9:14 into the game. Greenville threatened to run away with the game early as Rachel Irwin quickly made it 2-0 in favor of the visitors in the 13th minute.

The Red Devils (4-4, 0-1 SLIAC) were limited to two shots in the opening half, but they made the most of them. Kate Huizinga (Downers Grove, Ill./South) won a ball near midfield, then deftly set up KT Zapushek (Metamora, Ill./HS) in free space against the Greenville keeper. Zapushek expertly chipped one over the goalie to cut the EC deficit to 2-1.

The same two players figured into the next tally as Zapushek sent a pass to Huizinga, who found the back of the net from a sharp angle on the left side in the 36th minute.

Despite being out-shot 18-2 and giving away seven corner kicks to the opposition in the first half, Eureka was close to getting to the break even on the scoreboard, but a hand ball was called on the Red Devils in the penalty area leading to Sievert's second goal on a penalty kick with only 1:20 left in the frame.

Greenville tacked on two insurance scores in the first 10 minutes after halftime for a 5-2 lead. Eureka generated more chances in the second half, but could not convert as neither team scored over the final 35 minutes of the match.

Geanna Hiller (Glen Ellyn, Ill./Glenbard South) made 11 saves in the second half to give her 17 in the game. The Red Devils became the second team to put up multiple goals against Greenville since the Panthers' season opener on August 29.

Having completed a stretch of six contests in 11 days with a mark of 2-4, Eureka will have three days off before continuing SLIAC play at Maryville University Saturday, Sept. 20 at Noon.

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For More Information Contact:

Bryan Moore
Sports Information Director
Eureka College
300 E. College Avenue
Eureka, Illinois 61530
309-467-6456
bmoore@eureka.edu