Eagles blank Coyotes and move to 2-1

VERMILLION, S.D. — Another morning match, another victory. Eastern in their third road match to start off the season left victorious in their 2-0 victory over South Dakota.

It was all quiet until a Kendall Moore penalty kick goal in the 40th minute gave the Eagles a 1-0 lead before the end of the half. It is the second penalty kick goal of the season for the Eagles, and Moore became the fifth different goal scorer for the squad this season.

In the second half the Eagles struck again with Katrina Kupp recording the goal for the first of her career in the 77th minute. With Kupp's goal, through three games all six goals have been scored by a different Eagles player.

"It's an important part of our attacking identity to be able to score goals in a variety of ways and with a variety of players. Our intent and hope is that it makes us difficult to predict and ultimately difficult to defend. But as with any tactical design, you still need players who will step up in these game-winning moments and make plays, on both sides of the ball," Head Coach Missy Strasburg said. "We got to see that today, with the calm and cool PK converted by Kendall Moore, the class finish off the cross by Kat Kupp, and the gritty effort by the team as a whole to register a clean sheet today. Again, we have grand designs for this team, but the credit always goes to these women doing the work together and executing on the pitch."

In goal, Kamryn Willoughby was challenged as the Coyotes recorded 17 shots with five on goal. Before the end of the first half, Willoughby made a terrific save to her left to keep the momentum and would record five saves in the match

Despite being outshot 17-11 by the Coyotes, the Eagles were more efficient in their shot selections, outpacing the Coyotes 6-5 in shots on goal. The Coyotes also had the advantage in corner kicks (12-5), but three yellow cards would hurt the Coyotes chances.

Charity Freeman, Delani Walker, and Gillian Martin recorded two shots a piece as well as one shot on goal. It was the third straight game with at least three Eagles players recording two or more shots in a match. Willoughby recorded a season-high five saves to bring her total to nine saves in three games. It was the first shutout for Willoughby this season.

"Similar to last week, today's win on the road and in a very tough climate is a great confidence builder for our group. The mindset of this team has definitely shifted, and getting these early wins on the road is reinforcing to our women that they can do hard things." Strasburg said.

With the win, The Eagles are 5-1-1 all-time against South Dakota, and 16-7-4 all-time against Summit League Conference opponents. Eastern now owns a five-match unbeaten streak over the Coyotes. The two last met in Vermillion in 2019 when the Eagles won 2-1 in double overtime.

The Eagles have already matched last season's win total, and have already exceeded their wins on the road (2) in the past two seasons combined.

The Eagles are 2-1 to open up the season and will finish their four-game road series Thursday against Southern Utah.

After their four-game road trip to open the season, Eastern will be home Sept. 5 at the EWU soccer field to host UC Davis at 4 p.m. in their home opener.