USI’s OVC home opener spoiled by Tennessee Tech

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Women’s Soccer faced a tough Tennessee Tech University team Thursday night, as the Golden Eagles came away with a 4-0 road result to spoil the home match for the USI Screaming Eagles.
 
Tennessee Tech set a high-paced tempo early and was aggressive going toward the goal. The Golden Eagles tested USI’s defense with three early shots and aerial crosses. USI’s senior goalkeeper Maya Etienne (Midland, Michigan) came off her line to make two good punch aways to clear the ball out of danger.
 
The Golden Eagles grabbed a 1-0 lead over Southern Indiana in the 29^th minute, as senior forward Chloe Smith finished for her fourth goal of the season on a slotted pass along the end line.
 
One of Southern Indiana’s best chances in the first half came with just over five minutes to play until halftime. After a long throw-in by freshman midfielder Emma Thurston (Leawood, Kansas), the Tennessee Tech defense struggled to clear the ball out of their defensive box. The ball ended up at the feet of sophomore midfielder Adriana Berruti (Berwyn, Illinois), who played the ball back to freshman midfielder Peyton Murphy (Bargersville, Indiana). Murphy took the one-time shot but was saved by sophomore goalkeeper Maggie Conrad for Tennessee Tech.
 
Tennessee Tech took the 1-0 lead into halftime. At the break, Tennessee Tech outshot Southern Indiana 6-1, including 3-1 in shots on goal.
 
After an early push by the Screaming Eagles to start the second half, Tennessee Tech scored their second goal of the match in the 55^th minute. Freshman forward Katie Toney picked up her second assist of the contest, as she sent a low cross near the end line that was put into the goal by freshman midfielder Allison Lee.
 
Tennessee Tech added their third goal in the 71^st minute by senior defender Emily Carlevato, taking advantage of a missed clearance in USI’s defensive box and finishing inside the near post. Junior forward Gabby Garcia scored the fourth goal in the 81^st minute.
 
Overall, Tennessee Tech finished with 15 shots – six on goal – compared to four shots and two on goal for Southern Indiana. The Golden Eagles had 14 corner kicks and the Screaming Eagles had two.
 
Individually, USI’s shots on goal came from junior forward Morgan Beyer (Rossford, Ohio) and by Murphy. Etienne had two saves in 75 minutes played, bringing her within six saves of fourth all-time on USI’s career saves list. Sophomore goalkeeper Zoe Lintner (Wildwood, Missouri) played the last 15 minutes in goal for USI.
 
In the young Ohio Valley Conference season, Tennessee Tech stands at the top of the standings table with two wins and six points, while Southern Indiana is still in search of their first OVC result.
 
USI Women’s Soccer returns to Strassweg Field Sunday at 1 p.m. against the University of Arkansas-Little Rock for another home OVC matchup. Admission at Strassweg Field is free, thanks to The Women’s Hospital Deaconess.
 
Sunday’s match can also be seen live on ESPN+ with a subscription.
 
USI fans can stay up-to-date with the latest at usiscreamingeagles.com or follow USI Athletics on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.