The Eastern Michigan University soccer team improved to a perfect 4-0 for the first time since 1999, securing a 1-0 win over Purdue Fort Wayne at Scicluna Field on Thursday, August 29.
Senior Maddie O'Farrell (Haslett, Michigan/Lansing Catholic) scored the decisive goal in the 17th minute, converting a pass from redshirt freshman Josie Langhans (Sun Prairie, Wisconsin/Sun Prairie) and sophomore Olivia Sipsock (Medina, Ohio/Medina) to clinch the victory.
The Eagles' defense remained steadfast throughout the match, with redshirt sophomore Ella Holland (Dunwoody, Georgia/Dunwoody/Samford) making three crucial saves to earn her third clean sheet.
Purdue Fort Wayne came close to leveling the score in the 56th minute, but their attempt hit the crossbar and was swiftly cleared by Eastern Michigan's defense. The Eagles dominated in both shots, outshooting PFW 13-10 and corner kicks, holding a 9-0 advantage.
O'Farrell's goal marked her second of the season and 11th career goal, while Sipsock extended her point streak to four matches, a feat not achieved by an EMU player since 2012. Langhans added her second assist of the season. The win also marked Eastern’s third consecutive clean sheet at home, a first since the 2008-09 season, and the Eagles first back-to-back shutouts since 2017.
Historically, this victory extends Eastern's lead in the all-time series against PFW to 5-1-1 and signifies their best start since 1999, when EMU made its only NCAA Tournament appearance. The Eagles will look to continue their strong start as they face the University of Cincinnati on September 1, marking their first-ever matchup against a Big 12 Conference opponent. The game begins at 1 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN+.
