EVANSVILLE, Ind. — UNI kept Evansville off the scoreboard deep into Thursday night’s match, but one penalty kick proved enough to send the Panthers home empty-handed.
Brielle LaBerge converted from the penalty spot in the 74th minute October 15, lifting the Purple Aces to a 1-0 Missouri Valley Conference victory at Arad McCutchan Stadium.
The Panthers generated 13 shots, including six on goal, but could not finish their chances. The loss left UNI tied with Valparaiso for seventh in the conference standings with four points and four regular-season matches remaining. Only the league’s top six teams will qualify for the MVC Tournament.
Early chances go unanswered
Shaelee Franck tested Evansville goalkeeper Brianna Chirpich with a shot on goal in the second minute, giving UNI an early opportunity to take control.
The Panthers added two more attempts before Franck put another shot on target, again drawing a save from Chirpich. Morgan Smith had an opportunity in the 35th minute but could not break the scoreless tie.
Evansville managed three shots before halftime, with UNI deflecting two of those attempts.
The Purple Aces did not put a shot on goal until the 51st minute, when LaBerge tested Hailey Luedtke. The UNI goalkeeper made the save to keep the match level.
Franck missed to the right on another opportunity in the 53rd minute. Smith later put two shots on goal within a 10-minute stretch, but neither found the net.
Penalty breaks the deadlock
The decisive moment came when a foul involving UNI’s Allison Flies in the box resulted in a penalty kick for Evansville.
LaBerge, the reigning MVC Player of the Week, converted in the 74th minute. The Purple Aces protected that lead through the final whistle.
Smith led UNI with three shots on goal, followed by Franck with two. Audrey Still put one of her two attempts on target, while Aly Arena, Kylie Knief and Ella Ubben each attempted one shot.
Luedtke finished with two saves. She continued to lead the MVC with 62 saves and an average of 5.6 per match, according to UNI Athletics.
The Panthers’ goalkeeper previously helped deliver a breakthrough in UNI’s victory over Belmont that snapped a 14-game winless streak. Thursday’s narrow defeat followed another difficult road outing earlier this month, when Illinois State handed UNI a 6-0 loss.
UNI’s all-time record against Evansville fell to 7-17-5.
Murray State visits Sunday
The Panthers will return home Sunday, October 18, to face Murray State at 1 p.m. at the UNI Soccer Field. The MVC match will be streamed on ESPN+.
Fans are invited to bring their dogs for UNI’s annual Pups at the Pitch event. UNI-themed dog bandanas and waste containers will be available while supplies last.