Eastern Michigan University's soccer team started the 2024 season with a thrilling 1-0 victory against Oakland University at Scicluna Field on Thursday, August 15. The match began a new era under first-year Head Coach Taylor Clarke, who secured his first win in his debut match.
Sophomore Cameryn Susey (Westerville, Ohio/Olentangy Berlin) scored the decisive goal in the 85th minute, assisted by sophomore Olivia Sipsock (Medina, Ohio/Medina) and junior Mary Grimes (Commerce Township, Michigan/Walled Lake Central). Susey's shot slipped past the Oakland goalkeeper, securing the Eagles' victory. This goal marked Susey's second career goal, her first since scoring an equalizer against the University at Buffalo on October 1, 2023.
The game remained scoreless throughout the first half, with the Eagles pressing early, earning four corner kicks within the first 13 minutes. Eastern Michigan maintained their offensive pressure in the second half, ultimately outshooting Oakland 10-5 and winning the corner kick battle 9-4.
Redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Ella Holland (Dunwoody, Georgia/Dunwoody/Samford) made her mark by recording her first career clean sheet. The Eagles' defense was solid, limiting the Golden Grizzlies to five shots, with only one on target.
Several new faces debuted for the Eagles, including redshirt sophomore Sophia Baumann (Romeo, Mich./Romeo), freshman Josie Langhans (Sun Prairie, Wisconsin/Sun Prairie, Wisconsin), and freshman Tayla Maddock (Camlachie, Ontario/St. Patrick's Catholic), contributing to the team's promising start to the season.
The victory also marked a significant milestone as Eastern Michigan secured its 250th win in program history. This win was the Eagles' first season-opening clean sheet since a scoreless draw against Butler on August 21, 2016, and their first season-opening victory via shutout since defeating Fordham 2-0 on August 22, 2014.
The Eagles celebrated their first home victory at Scicluna Field since September 5, 2021, ending a 22-match winless streak at home. Their last home shutout was a 3-0 victory against Miami on October 18, 2018, breaking a stretch of 39 home matches without a shutout.
Eastern Michigan has a 13-8-9 record in season-opening matches and an impressive 6-1-5 mark in its last 12 home openers. Coach Taylor Clarke is the third head coach in the program's history and follows in the footsteps of Scott Hall, who won his first six matches in 1999.
The Eagles will build on this solid start as they continue their season, aiming to capitalize on the momentum from their historic win.
Up Next
Eastern Michigan will play the University of Illinois Chicago on Aug. 22, its first road contest.
