BOWLING GREEN, KY. (WFIE) – The University of Evansville women’s soccer team could not overcome an early deficit in the second half, losing 4-1 to the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers.

The Purple Aces found the net for the first time in the young 2024 season on Sunday night. Redshirt freshman forward Paige Radel (Metamora, Ohio / Evergreen HS) scored her first collegiate goal in the 68th minute with some assistance from senior forward Hailey Autenrieb (Cincinnati / Seaton HS).

But one goal wasn’t enough for UE to keep up with the Hilltoppers’ second-half onslaught. It was a quiet first half, with only three shots on goal from either side. Sophomore goalkeeper Elke Travis (Henderson, Nev. / Faith Lutheran HS) saved both of WKU’s attempts in the first 45 minutes, leaving the game tied 0-0 going into the second half.

Evansville started the second half quickly when sophomore midfielder Ashlyn Koutsos (Cumming, Ga./West Forsyth HS) fired a shot into the left corner. But the Aces fell behind early as the Hilltoppers scored two goals in less than three minutes shortly after. UE cut into Western Kentucky’s lead in the 68th minute when Radel found the bottom right corner of the net after a long cross from Autenrieb.

The single goal was not enough for Evansville to overcome a one-goal deficit. Despite a good chance in the 80th minute for striker Amy Velazquez (Avon, Ind. / Avon HS), the Aces were unable to find the net. But the Hilltoppers continued to press, scoring two more goals in the 81st and 89th minutes, sending UE down 4-1.

Evansville returns home next week for a game against the Lindenwood Lions. It will be the Aces’ first game against the Lions on Thursday, August 29. Kickoff for Thursday’s game is set for 6 p.m. at Arad McCutchan Stadium.

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