MOREHEAD, Ky. - The Warren Lipka era in Morehead State soccer history began with an exhibition match at regional rival Marshall Friday afternoon, and the first-year head coach was optimistic about the results. The Eagles and the Thundering Herd battled to a 1-1 tie after 90 minutes and then played two extra 10-minute periods. The Herd scored in the second overtime period, but the Eagles out-shot the hosts for the match.
"I think overall we played really well. The first 11 players showed me a lot," said Lipka, who takes over the program after 17 years heading up the University of Kentucky women's soccer squad. The Eagles are the defending Ohio Valley Conference Tournament champions.
"We still need to work on our fitness level to get game ready, but overall I think it was great to be able to have the opportunity to see where we are and what we need to work on before next week's opener," he added.
The Eagles had 15 shots in the match, including nine on goal, while Marshall posted 12 shots. Junior Erin Adams, who has 12 goals in her first two collegiate seasons, netted the Eagles' goal against the Herd. Sophomores Sarah Phillip and Jillian Birchmeier were credited with assists on the play. Birchmeier is coming off a 2008 freshman campaign where she was named OVC co-Offensive Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year.
The Eagles played nearly everyone in the match as the newcomers got a chance to perform during the extra frames. Starting goalkeeper Lily Meisner, last year's OVC Tournament MVP, stopped four shots.
MSU opens its regular season at home on Friday, Aug. 21 against Valparaiso at 7 p.m. at Jayne Stadium. It will be fans' first chance to see soccer action on the new Astroturf GameDay Grass that was installed this summer. For ticket information, please check www.msueagles.com or call 606-783-2386.
