MIDWAY, Ky. — The Midway women's soccer team returns to Midway Turf Field on Thursday when it hosts Indiana University East in River States Conference action at 3:30 p.m.
The Eagles enter the matchup with a 3-4-0 overall record and a 1-0-0 mark in conference play, while IU East enters at 5-4-3 overall and 2-0-0 in the RSC. Thursday will mark Midway's first home contest since Sept. 13.
Midway will look to build on its conference-opening victory and earn its first win in the all-time series against the Red Wolves. IU East holds a 7-0-2 advantage in the series.
LAST TIME OUT
Midway opened RSC play on a high note, earning a 2-0 road victory over Kentucky Christian on Oct. 1.
The Eagles broke through in the 23rd minute when Chloe Kemper scored her fourth goal of the season off an assist from Addison Hazlett. Midway carried the 1-0 advantage into halftime before quickly doubling its lead after the break.
Just 58 seconds into the second half, Hazlett found the back of the net for the first time in her collegiate career. Cate Burch and Courtney Milner were credited with assists on the goal.
Midway controlled much of the offensive action, finishing with a 16-7 advantage in shots and putting seven attempts on goal compared to three for Kentucky Christian.
Lilly Riordan played all 90 minutes in goal and stopped all three shots she faced to secure the shutout.
The victory snapped a four-game losing streak and improved Midway to 3-4-0 overall and 1-0-0 in RSC play.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
Kemper has been the driving force behind the Midway offense through seven matches. The senior leads the Eagles with four goals and nine points while putting eight of her 13 shots on goal.
Hazlett has made an immediate impact during her freshman campaign. She leads Midway with four assists and a team-high 20 shots while ranking second on the team with six points. Nine of her 20 attempts have been on frame.
Five different Eagles have found the back of the net this season. Along with Kemper and Hazlett, Lacee Brown, Courtney Hale and Sloane Pollock have each scored once.
The Eagles have scored eight goals this season, with seven coming in the opening 45 minutes. Midway has put exactly half of its 52 shot attempts on goal.
Riordan has appeared in four matches in goal and owns a 2-2-0 record. She has made 23 saves while posting a .793 save percentage and a 1.69 goals-against average.
SCOUTING IU EAST
IU East enters Thursday at 5-4-3 overall and 2-0-0 in conference play. The Red Wolves have scored 20 goals through their first 12 matches while attempting 178 shots, including 84 on goal.
Zaryah Griffin leads a balanced IU East attack with six goals and one assist for 13 points. Aubrey Unger has added five goals and one assist, while Madison Schwalm has scored three times. Mia Runyan has contributed two goals and three assists.
IU East has also been difficult to break down defensively, recording six team shutouts. Cameela Walters has made nine appearances in goal and has recorded 34 saves.
The Red Wolves have also been one of the more physical teams in the conference. Entering the matchup, IU East ranks second in the RSC in fouls and is tied for fourth with seven yellow cards.
LAST MEETING
The two programs last met on Nov. 1, 2025, at Midway Turf Field in the final match of Midway's season.
IU East scored the only goal of the match in the 22nd minute when Asia Espiritu found the back of the net, and the Red Wolves held on for a 1-0 victory.
Midway was outshot 12-7, but the Eagles kept the match within striking distance throughout the night. IU East held only a 4-3 advantage in shots on goal.
One of Midway's best opportunities to equalize came early in the second half when Annabel Young struck the crossbar. The Eagles were unable to find the tying goal as IU East secured the one-goal victory.
Thursday will be the 10th all-time meeting between the programs, with Midway searching for its first victory in the series. The Eagles have earned two draws in the previous nine meetings.
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.
