ST. DAVIDS, Pa.— Eastern University Women's Soccer scored a goal in the 17th minute and made it hold up as the Eagles claimed a critical three points in the MC Commonwealth standings with a 1-0 win over the visiting Stevenson University Mustangs. Kelly Lyons scored her first goal of the year  to put the Eagles up and Fatih Leake made five stops behind the Eastern defense to secure the victory. 

The Mustangs, (7-3-5, 3-1) came into the contest tied for first in the MAC Commonwealth and without having allowed a goal in over seven and a half hours of soccer. The Eagles had chances early, but the Mustang defense turned away efforts on a corner kick and a good hit from Ashlynn Keys in the run of play. 

Eastern (8-4-3, 2-2) finally broke through after a foul 35 yards from goal in a spot where the ball could have been served or shot. Nicole Eveland elected to serve the ball. Lyons, found space in traffic and headed home her second-career goal. Lyons only other career goal came against Messiah in 2023.

The Eagles had three great chances to increase the lead before the intermission, but a great cross from Jasmine Eccels went unfinished, and a pair of restarts from in close did not turn into shots on frame. While both teams finished with six first-half shots, the bulk of the Stevenson chances came from the perimeter. 

Emma Bennett set up another chance early in the second half, but Bridget Hitchner had her shot drift wide after bringing down the cross. Leake made a pair of saves and was good off her line behind Tia Argento and Ella Sedor to secure the clean sheet. 

With Stevenson still having appointments with York and Messiah on the schedule, the full three points today put the Eagles into a spot where will likely have a chance to earn a third seed in the MAC Commonwealth Tournament.

Eastern hosts Alvernia on Saturday at 11:00 am