Otahkians stay perfect with victory over EIU

CHARLESTON, Ill. -- Southeast Missouri State University's best-ever start in women's soccer continued Friday as the Otahkians picked up a victory that no doubt will open plenty of eyes around the Ohio Valley Conference.

In just their third season of play, the Otahkians improved to 9-0 as they opened OVC play with a thrilling 1-0 road triumph over two-time defending OVC regular-season champion Eastern Illinois, which had never before lost a regular-season conference match.

After a scoreless first half, Southeast got the game's only goal a little less than 15 minutes from the end of regulation. At the 75:52 mark, Erika Todd recorded an unassisted tally for her fifth goal of the season. EIU keeper Lindsey Dechert got her hands on Todd's shot, but she could not make the save as the ball found the back left corner of the net.

Southeast keeper Beth Guccione made 10 saves as she recorded her seventh shutout of the season. Guccione and the Otahkians have allowed just four goals all year.

The Panthers (7-2) held a 13-9 edge in total shots and a 6-2 advantage in corner kicks, but Southeast's defense was up to the challenge. Even though EIU's Beth Liesen, who entered play No. 1 in the nation in goals per game (1.50), got off six shots, she failed to score.