MIDWAY, Ky. — The Midway University women's soccer team returns to River States Conference (RSC) action Thursday afternoon when the Eagles welcome Indiana University Kokomo to Midway Turf Field.
Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. as Midway enters the contest with a 3-7 overall record and a 1-2 mark in conference play. IU Kokomo comes into the matchup at 3-7-2 overall and 1-1-1 in the RSC.
With five matches remaining in the regular season, Thursday's contest presents an opportunity for the Eagles to gain ground in the conference standings and strengthen their postseason positioning.
Midway currently sits seventh in the RSC standings, while IU Kokomo occupies fifth place.
MIDWAY EAGLES
Under first-year head coach Bryce Brockman, the Eagles have recorded eight goals and eight assists through 10 matches this season.
Senior forward Chloe Kemper continues to lead Midway offensively, recording four goals and one assist for nine points. Kemper has registered 13 shots, including eight on goal, and has scored one game-winning goal.
Freshman forward Addison Hazlett has also emerged as a key contributor in the Eagles' attack. Hazlett has recorded one goal and a team-high four assists for six points.
The Danville, Ky., native leads Midway with 21 shots, including 10 on goal, and has played an important role in creating scoring opportunities throughout the season.
Lacee Brown, Courtney Hale and Sloane Pollock have also contributed goals for the Eagles, providing additional offensive options.
Defensively, Midway has relied on multiple goalkeepers throughout the season.
Freshman Lillian Klee has appeared in four matches, recording 35 saves and a .714 save percentage.
Sophomore Lilly Riordan has made six appearances, totaling 35 saves while recording a .686 save percentage and one shutout.
Midway will look to build on its conference-opening performance against Kentucky Christian on Oct. 1, when the Eagles earned a 2-0 road victory.
IU KOKOMO COUGARS
IU Kokomo enters Thursday's contest riding a two-match unbeaten streak after earning a 2-2 draw against Brescia on Oct. 3 and defeating Kentucky Christian 6-2 on Oct. 10.
The Cougars are led by sixth-year head coach Sohaila Akhavein, who has compiled a 52-42-20 career record, including a 33-10-10 mark in River States Conference play.
Akhavein guided IU Kokomo to its first NAIA National Tournament appearance in 2022 and an undefeated conference season in 2023, earning RSC Coach of the Year honors.
Offensively, the Cougars have scored 41 goals through 12 matches, averaging 3.42 goals per contest.
Freshman forward Kaitlyn Swartzendruber leads IU Kokomo with nine goals and three assists for 21 points.
Swartzendruber has recorded a team-high 40 shots, including 19 on goal, and is coming off a hat trick in the Cougars' 6-2 victory over Kentucky Christian.
Cloey Thomas has also played a significant role in IU Kokomo's offensive success, recording six goals and one assist for 13 points.
Sophomore Avery Wilson has added six goals for 12 points, while Gia Tumber has contributed four goals and three assists for 11 points.
Madison Balf and Charity Lewis have each recorded four assists, helping the Cougars total 25 assists this season.
Defensively, IU Kokomo has allowed 20 goals through 12 matches while recording two shutouts.
Senior goalkeeper Sydney Miller has appeared in eight matches, recording 52 saves and a .800 save percentage.
Sophomore Liz Godfrey has made six appearances, totaling 34 saves and a .829 save percentage.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
IU Kokomo enters Thursday's matchup averaging 3.42 goals per contest, while Midway averages 0.80.
The Cougars have recorded 234 shots this season, including 139 on goal. Midway has registered 61 shots, with 30 reaching the target.
IU Kokomo averages 19.5 shots per match compared to Midway's 6.1.
The Cougars have also recorded 60 corner kicks, while the Eagles have earned 22.
Midway has scored seven of its eight goals in the opening half this season, while IU Kokomo has scored 25 of its 41 goals after halftime.
One of the keys for the Eagles will be limiting the Cougars' offensive opportunities while creating additional chances in the attacking third.
HISTORICAL
Thursday's matchup will mark the eighth all-time meeting between Midway and IU Kokomo in women's soccer.
The Cougars hold a 5-2 advantage in the all-time series, having won the previous five meetings between the programs.
Midway won the first two meetings before IU Kokomo began its current five-match winning streak.
The Eagles will look to reverse that trend Thursday and earn their second River States Conference victory of the season.
About Midway University Athletics
Midway University competes in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and its 29 athletic teams are part of the River States Conference, Mid-South Conference, Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association and USA Archery. For more information about Midway University Athletics, please visit www.gomidwayeagles.com or contact Tyler Beck at 859-846-5366.
