The #2 University of Evansville women’s soccer team (6-10-2) won 1-0 against #6 UNI (7-9-5) in the MVC Semifinals on Friday night. With the victory, UE advances to the MVC Tournament Championship and will host #5 Loyola on Sunday, Nov. 8 at 1:06 p.m.
“I am very proud of and happy for our girls,†said Evansville head women’s soccer coach Krista McKendree. “They played hard and got the needed result. Congrats to UNI for playing a very good game as well. We are looking forward to Sunday!â€
Evansville went ahead on a goal from junior midfielder Colleen Dierkes in the third minute. A cross from freshman forward Sara Osinski entered the six yard box and set up Dierkes for the lone goal of the match.
“Sarah served a great ball in the middle and I’m just happy I was there to finish it,†added Dierkes. “I’m really proud of how hard our team fought tonight. It was a hard fought game the entire time. But at the end of the day, I think we just wanted it more.â€
UE outshot UNI 6-1 in the opening 45 minutes and took the one goal advantage into halftime.
The Panthers only shot on goal came in the 55th minute when Brinnell Young’s attempt was saved by Aces’ junior goalkeeper Whitney Biggs.
With the win, Evansville will now appear in its second consecutive MVC Championship, seeking its first tournament title since 2008.
The goal by Colleen Dierkes was her team-high tying third score of the season. Osinski’s helper was her first career assist.
Biggs, the reigning MVC Goalkeeper of the Week, recorded one save in the victory. It is the second consecutive shutout for Biggs and the team’s fifth shutout this season.
UE will play #5 Loyola on Sunday, Nov. 8. The match will be held at Arad McCutchan Stadium and begin at 1:06 p.m. The contest will be aired live on The Valley on ESPN3.
