Kaitlyn Eyink | Photo by Bethany Althauser | The Wright State Guardian
The Wright State University women’s soccer team returned to Alumni Field on Wednesday for its regular season finale against its arch-rival, Northern Kentucky University.
Both teams entered Wednesday having clinched a postseason spot with seedings still on the line. NKU came in holding third place in the Horizon League with the Raiders in a two-way tie with Oakland.
The Raiders held a 6-6-4 overall record and 4-3-2 in HL play. Although WSU trailed in the all-time series against NKU 2-7-1, the Raiders captured a 2-1 victory in its last meeting against NKU last fall.
First half
The opening 45 minutes started with both teams showing great defensive pressure. Both teams were able to move the ball around well but could not capitalize inside the box, as the back lines were shutting everything down.
“Before the game, we were told [NKU] liked to play over the top, and they like those long balls, so knowing that in advance definitely helped me prepare to be ready for the interceptions,” WSU’s Kaitlyn Eyink stated after the match.
The Raiders managed to produce five shot attempts in the first half, while the Norse put up four. Both goalkeepers recorded one save in the first half of the game.
WSU had good ball control, holding the ball for 55% of play. Both teams would head to the locker room at halftime with neither side finding the back of the net.
Second half
Both sides came out for the second half with more aggression and tempo. The Raiders and the Norse found more success on offense in the second half. WSU had 11 shot attempts through the last 45 minutes and the Norse had seven.
Kiera Sarka would add two more saves in the second half, finishing the match with three on the night.
Despite finding more production in the second half, neither side was successful in finding a goal, finishing in a 0-0 draw to end the regular season.
“It’s always when we play Northern Kentucky, the game matters more because there is seeding, and we are getting ready for the tournament,” Head Coach Travis Sobers added. “I thought we had it in the end, but sometimes that is how it goes.”
Eyes on the prize
Now that the regular season has concluded, WSU finishes with an overall record of 6-6-5 and 4-3-3 in HL play.
The Raiders now control the fifth seed and will travel to play Robert Morris on Sunday in the quarterfinal round of the HL tournament.
The Raiders traveled to RMU in September where they fell 2-4. WSU will have a chance to advance to the semifinal round and get revenge on the Colonials. With a win, WSU would make the semifinals for the first time since the 2017 season.
“I’m excited to play Robert Morris again, they beat us pretty bad earlier on,” Elise Canter mentioned. “I know they won’t beat us that bad again, I know we are going to come out strong.”
Viewers can watch Sunday’s quarterfinal matchup on ESPN+ at 1 p.m.
