Aces women’s soccer falls to UIC

CHICAGO – The University of Evansville women’s soccer team didn’t find the back of the net in a 1-0 loss to the UIC Flames.

The Purple Aces defense kept 13 shots at bay through 90 minutes but a goal from UIC in the 76th minute handed UE its third loss of MVC play. Two veterans for Evansville led the way on offense as graduate defender Rachel Rosborough (Mt. Brydges, Ontario) and senior forward Hailey Autenrieb (Cincinnati / Seton HS) each put two shots on goal. Fifth-year goalkeeper Myia Danek (Laingsburg, Mich. / Laingsburg HS) made six saves in the loss.

The Flames controlled early action of Thursday night’s game with five shots in the first 15 minutes. The Aces had their first chance of the night in the 19th minute as junior defender Kaylee Woosley (Evansville, Ind. / North HS) shot just wide of the far post. It was a defensive battle for the rest of the first half as only two shots were taken in the last 20 minutes of the half.

It was a much quicker start in the second half as Autenrieb forced a diving save from UIC’s goalkeeper in the 47th minute. The Flames responded with five straight shots over the next 15 minutes. Danek made two major saves to keep the game scoreless during the offensive onslaught. But UIC broke through in the 76th minute as a shot from the top of the box made it into the top right corner of the net.

UE had two close chances in the following five minutes as both Rosborough and freshman defender Emmy Brenner (Arlington, Tenn. / St. Benedict at Auburndale HS) forced a jumping save and a diving save from Flames goalkeeper Francesca Faraci. Evansville had one final opportunity in the last four minutes as Autenrieb attacked the net a second time for a shot that was pushed up above the crossbar. The Aces couldn’t find the equalizer and dropped a close 1-0 match to UIC.

UE remains on the road for their next match over the weekend. Evansville will visit the Valparaiso Beacons on Sunday, October 13th. Kick-off from Brown Field on Sunday is set for 1 p.m.