The Screaming Eagles gained the advantage early when sophomore defender Loryn Willis (Cynthiana, Indiana) recorded her first goal of the year at 5:49. Willis was assisted on her third career goal by senior midfielder Carlie Scales (Evansville, Indiana).
USI carried the 1-0 lead through the intermission and midway through the final 45 minutes when it increased the margin to 2-0 at 59:41. Freshman defender Madelyne Juenger (Columbia, Illinois) intercepted a Ranger clearing attempt and scored the unassisted goal from the top of the box.
The goal was Juenger’s third of the season, tying freshman forward Maggie Winter (St. Louis, Missouri) and freshman midfielder Sunny Lehman (Evansville, Indiana) for the team lead in goals scored.
Between the posts, junior goalkeeper Emily Hopkins (Greenfield, Indiana) picked up her fourth win and third shutout of the season. Hopkins blanked the Rangers after facing eight shots and making three saves in 90 minutes of action. Hopkin’s effort in the win also moved her into fifth all-time at USI in shutouts.
USI returns to the road next week, traveling to Lewis University September 29 and the University of Illinois Springfield October 1. Lewis saw its record fall to 4-4-0 overall and 3-3-0 in the GLVC after losing at McKendree University Sunday, 4-0, while Illinois Springfield went to 6-2-2, 3-2-1 GLVC, following a 1-0 win at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
The next homestand for the Eagles is in two weeks when they host Quincy University October 6 and Truman State University October 7 at Strassweg Field.
Follow the live coverage of USI women’s soccer matches, including live stats and video, on GoUSIEagles.com.
