EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Coming off their first win over a Power-4 opponent since 2008 on Thursday night, the University of Evansvile women’s soccer team aims to continue their strong start to the season when they host SIUE on Sunday afternoon at Arad McCutchan Stadium. Sunday’s match is part of a special weekend for the Aces’ soccer programs, with both the men’s and women’s teams hosting Alumni Weekend and celebrating the legacy of former All-American Ace and first Evansville women’s soccer coach, Mick Lyon, who passed away in January 2025 at the age of 61 following a long and courageous battle with multiple sclerosis. His story is one of fearless vision, deep community roots, and enduring impact, both on and off the field.
Originally from Lincolnshire, England, Lyon arrived at the University of Evansville in the mid-1980s on a soccer scholarship, joining the team in time to help lead a historic run to the NCAA Final Four in 1985. He was the first-ever three-time team MVP in program history and helped lead UE to a national No. 1 ranking and an NCAA Final Four appearance in 1985. Lyon graduated with a degree in physical education in 1989 and soon returned to his alma mater to coach.
In 1993, Lyon made history as the first head coach of UE women’s soccer, launching a program that would dominate the Missouri Valley Conference for the better part of a decade. Under his leadership, the Lady Aces claimed nine conference titles and three NCAA Tournament berths. Lyon was named MVC Coach of the Year three times and earned a place in the UE Athletics Hall of Fame, the MVC Hall of Fame, and the Indiana Soccer Hall of Fame.
Last Time Out
Evansville knocked off Purdue for the first time in program history on Thursday, defeating the Boilermakers by a score of 2-1 at Arad McCutchan Stadium.
Trailing 1-0 going into halftime, Ella Hamner (Evansville, Ind./Memorial) and Taylor Wehrer (Las Vegas, Nev./Desert Oasis) scored goals within a minute and a half of play in the second half to give the Aces a lead they would never relinquish.
Looking to open their home slate in grand fashion, Evansville flipped a switch following the halftime break. In the 55th minute, Taylor Johnson (Evansville, Ind./Reitz) used her speed to create a scoring chance. Following a deflected cross from Johnson, Chrysta Vasquez (Las Vegas, Nev./Coronado) collected the ball off the right side of the goal and passed it back to Johnson, who found Hamner wide open in the middle of the box. From there, the junior buried a laser of a shot into the bottom right corner to equalize.
Less than two minutes later, the Aces threatened again, as Johnson drew a yellow card 10 yards outside the box to earn a free kick. Wehrer stepped up for the kick from 28 yards out and drilled a shot off the top post, which found the back of the goal for a bar down goal, giving the Aces a 2-1 lead.
From there, the Evansville defense was able to hold strong, withstanding a wave of Purdue attacks to secure the win.
