CARROLLTON, Ga.- West Georgia (0-12-3, 0-7-1 UAC) returns to University Soccer Field on Thursday, October 29, welcoming Eastern Kentucky (8-6-3, 4-2-2 UAC) for its final home match of the season with kickoff set for 6 p.m. The Wolves look to build on their scoreless draw against Austin Peay on Sunday, October 25, which snapped a seven-match losing streak and earned UWG its first conference point of the season.
The matchup carries important postseason implications for West Georgia, who looks to make a late push for a spot in the UAC Tournament. With its draw against Austin Peay, the Wolves earned a point in conference play and now have an opportunity to tie with the Governors in the race for the final postseason position with a win against the Colonels. UWG will look to capitalize on its home-field advantage against an EKU team that has already secured its place in the postseason.
West Georgia's defense showed resilience in Sunday's draw, holding Austin Peay scoreless despite facing 21 shots. Goalkeeper Emily Sanabria played a significant role in the result, recording 11 saves for her fourth double-digit save performance of the season. Her last 11-save outing also came in a draw, when she helped the Wolves earn a 1-1 result on the road against Kennesaw State on September 13.
Sanabria continues to rank among the UAC's top goalkeepers, leading the conference with 7.31 saves per match and ranking second with 95 total saves. She also ranks fourth in the conference in save percentage at .792 and is just five saves away from reaching 100 in a season for the second consecutive year. The Wolves will look to carry Sunday's defensive effort into Thursday's matchup as they pursue a crucial conference victory.
Eastern Kentucky enters Carrollton after a 1-0 loss to North Alabama on Sunday. The Colonels surrendered the match's lone goal in the 31st minute despite outshooting the Lions 11-9. EKU goalkeeper Jordan LeVasseur recorded five saves, while Chiara Premoli, Avery May, Robin Reilly and Lauren Link each finished with two shots.
Despite the setback, EKU remains atop the UAC Blue Division with a 4-2-2 conference record and 14 points in league play. The Colonels were the first team in the conference to clinch a postseason berth. EKU defeated West Georgia 2-1 earlier this season in Richmond, with Avery May scoring the match-winning goal in the 83rd minute. Kaylen Brown had tied the match at 1-1 for the Wolves with a penalty kick goal before May's late winner secured the victory for the Colonels.
Thursday's contest also marks Youth Night for West Georgia women's soccer. The Wolves will welcome players and families from Georgia Storm for an evening of soccer and halftime prizes for fans. With this being the final opportunity to watch West Georgia play at home this season, fans are encouraged to come out and support the Wolves. Admission to all matches at University Soccer Field is free.
