CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – The Chattanooga women's soccer team returned home Sunday afternoon and picked up a 2-1 victory over Eastern Kentucky at Max Finley Stadium, improving to 3-1-2 on the season.
 
The Mocs wasted little time getting on the scoreboard as Savannah Dunahay struck just 1:24 into the match. Emma Reeves delivered the assist on the early tally, giving Chattanooga a 1-0 lead before many fans had settled into their seats. Dunahay's goal was her second of the season.
 
Eastern Kentucky responded in the 20th minute when Ronnie Ariel finished a chance off an assist from Peyton Smith, leveling the match at 1-1 at the 19:49 mark.
 
The Mocs continued to generate pressure throughout the opening half and reclaimed the advantage in the 38th minute. Ayden Wood came off the bench to help create the opportunity, finding Landry Olson for the game-winning strike at 37:56. Olson slipped her second goal of the year just by the near post for what would prove to be the game winner.
 
Chattanooga controlled much of the action offensively, outshooting the Colonels 15-7 and holding a 6-3 edge in shots on goal. The Mocs also earned four corner kicks compared to one for Eastern Kentucky.
 
The second half saw several close chances for the home side to add insurance. Paige Thomas nearly scored in the 55th minute when her effort rattled the crossbar.
 
Eastern Kentucky's potential game-tying goal in the 72nd minute was called back on an offside. Lining up for the free kick, a Colonel got ahead of the line and offside just before the ball was sent and what looked like a score was called off.
 
Defensively, Chattanooga limited Eastern Kentucky to just two second-half shots while goalkeeper Lilly Kate Varino earned the victory. Varino finished with two saves as the Mocs held the Colonels scoreless over the final 70-plus minutes of play.
 
Thomas paced the attack with five shots, three on goal, and Quinn Johnson added five attempts as Chattanooga continued its strong offensive start to the season.
 
With the win, the Mocs improved to 3-1-2 overall and remained unbeaten at home, while Eastern Kentucky fell to 3-2-0.
 
Chattanooga will travel to Kentucky next weekend to take on Morehead State on Sunday, September 6. Live stats and video streaming links will be available online at GoMocs.com.
 
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