After a solid start to the season, the Eastern Michigan University soccer team faced two narrow defeats during their road trip, falling 1-0 to both Valparaiso University on Thursday, Sept. 12, and Loyola University Chicago on Sunday, Sept. 15. Despite the setbacks, the Eagles remain optimistic as they head into Mid-American Conference (MAC) play.
Valparaiso 1, Eastern Michigan 0
In their first match after a 10-day break, the Eagles came out strong against Valparaiso at Brown Field. EMU outshot the Beacons 11-8 and dominated corner kicks 6-1, but a penalty kick in the 32nd minute sealed the game for Valparaiso.
Eastern Michigan had multiple opportunities to equalize, with junior Lily Spotak coming close in the 72nd minute. Her shot from 18 yards narrowly missed the crossbar. Redshirt sophomore Sophia Baumann also had a chance to level the score, but her five-yard attempt was stopped in the final minute of play.
With the loss, EMU dropped to 4-1-0 on the season, while Valparaiso improved to 3-3-0. The Eagles had been riding a five-match streak of scoring at least one goal, but for the first time this season, they were held scoreless, a rarity since their 2023 loss to Miami University.
Loyola Chicago 1, Eastern Michigan 0
Three days later, EMU traveled to Chicago to face Loyola University, and once again, a single goal decided the match. Despite an early save by redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Ella Holland, Loyola found the net in the 31st minute, which proved to be the game-winner.
EMU continued to create chances throughout the match, with notable efforts from sophomore Olivia Sipsock and junior Hannah Thompson, who saw their shots go just over the crossbar. Loyola led the Eagles in shots 13-11 and corners 6-4.
Holland stood out in goal, recording six saves and marking her third game this season with at least five saves. Meanwhile, freshman Emily Kolodin made her collegiate debut, playing four minutes in the second half.
With the loss, Eastern Michigan's record now stands at 4-3-0, while Loyola improved to 5-2-1.
Looking Ahead: MAC Play Begins
Despite the back-to-back defeats, Eastern Michigan remains in a strong position as it prepares for its first MAC match of the season. The Eagles will return to Ypsilanti to face in-state rival Central Michigan University at Scicluna Field on Thursday, Sept. 19, with kickoff set for 4:30 p.m. The team looks to bounce back and continue its pursuit of a successful season in conference play.
