Photo - WKU Athletics
Western Kentucky is set to return to the road for the first time in three weeks Friday evening, squaring off against Old Dominion in the C-USA opener for both sides at the ODU Soccer Complex in Norfolk. The Lady Toppers (3-4) are looking to snap a two-match losing streak after dropping a pair of 1-0 decisions against Vanderbilt and Samford at the WKU Soccer Complex last weekend. Corner kick goals by the opposition early in each match proved to be the decisive scores despite strong offensive efforts in the second half by WKU.
Sophomore Chandler Backes continues to lead the Lady Toppers with four goals and 10 total points on the season while also leading all members of the squad with 16 shots, eight of which have been put on goal. Despite not having scored thus far, redshirt junior Sarah Gorham has also played a key role in the offense out of the midfield, launching 13 shots through seven matches; Gorham’s .538 shot on goal percentage is the best among all Lady Toppers with at least seven shots this season.
As a team, WKU has combined to score six of its eight goals during the second half of play or overtime this season, outscoring its opponents 6-3 over that span. The Lady Toppers are also outshooting their foes 48-38 in that same time frame and own a slim 16-15 advantage in corner kick opportunities.
Senior Allison Leone owns a pair of solo shutouts this season and has held WKU’s opponents to either zero or one goal in each of the last four matches. The Kennesaw, Ga., native has 30 saves and sports a 1.01 goals against average in just under 625 minutes of action between the posts.
(Courtesy WKU Athletics)
