YPSILANTI, Mich. – The Eastern Michigan University women’s soccer team notched a win in its season and home opener, taking a 1-0 decision over Eastern Illinois here at Scicluna Field Friday afternoon, Aug. 28.

The Eagles registered 17 shots, 10 of them on goal despite soggy field conditions due to torrential downpours throughout the majority of the game. Ashley Rodrigues netted one of her four shots on the day to record the game-winner.

Seven minutes into the game, the Green and White applied suffocating pressure on Panther goalkeeper, Kaylin Lorbert. Rodrigues saw a clear path to the goal and fired a shot towards the right post, but a diving deflection by Lorbert made for one of her nine saves on the day. The rebound by Stephanie Janssens was just wide and the Eagles came away empty on their first solid opportunity.

Ten minutes later, Lorbert saved back-to-back shots by Rodrigues and Carissa Wilson and then another one off the foot of Maggie Christensen at the 27-minute mark. Both teams went into halftime with a scoreless tie, but the advantage was clearly on the side of the Eagles.

Finally, in the 52nd minute, Rodrigues took a lead pass down the left sideline from Paige Sheridan, worked her way to the middle of the field inside the 18-yard box, and struck the ball with her right foot past the outstretched hand of a diving Lorbert and inside the left post for the score.

It was all EMU needed to get the win and move to 9-4-2 in season openers all-time.
 
The Eagles will host Indiana State University in a 1 p.m. start at Scicluna Field Sunday, Aug. 30