CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Senior Anna McPhie fired an 85th-minute goal, leading Austin Peay State University’s soccer team to a 1-1 draw against Evansville, Sunday, at Arad McCutchan Stadium.

The Governors and Purple Aces had two shots in the first half, with senior goalkeeper Chloé Dion recording her only save of the period in the 26th minute.

Both teams fired shots early and often in the second half, with sophomores Haley Patterson and Alec Baumgardt firing back-to-back attempts in the 52nd minute, while the Purple Aces tallied three shots – and two on goal – by the 58-minute mark.

After 80 scoreless minutes, the Purple Aces broke the ice with a late score by Emily Ormson, 2021 First Team All-Missouri Valley Conference.

Less than five minutes after UE’s breakthrough score, sophomore Haley Patterson connected with McPhie for the equalizer final score of the afternoon.

Austin Peay and Evansville combined for 16 shots in the final 45 minutes. Patterson fired three of the Governors’ 10 second-half shots and was followed by McPhie’s two late attempts.

Inside The Box score

  • Austin Peay starts the season with back-to-back draws for the time in program history.
  • Anna McPhie’s equalizer was the Nelson, New Zealand native’s fourth-career goal and first since Oct. 25, 2019 against Eastern Illinois.
  • McPhie’s 85th-minute goal was the latest score by the Governors since Tori Case’s 86th-minute goal in a 3-0 victory against Eastern Illinois, Oct. 21, 2021.
  • Haley Patterson’s assist was the first of her career.
  • With her fourth save of the afternoon, goalkeeper Chloé Dion became the 10th player in program history to record 70-career saves.
  • Dion’s four saves were tied for the ninth-most of her career.
  • Austin Peay’s 12 shots were its most since the Governors had 14 attempts against Southeast Missouri, Oct. 10, 2021.
  • The Govs’ 10 second-half shots were the most since 17-shot first half against Alabama A&M, Sept. 16, 2021.

Coach’s Corner

With head soccer coach Kim McGowan

Overall thoughts … “Evansville gave us problems today, that unfortunately we didn’t adjust to very well. When a team has a defensive block, it’s tough to be patient. However, coming back and scoring to tie it up shows this team’s fight. We are on the up swing and will continue to get better with each day in the season.

On the late offensive effort … “After we conceded a goal, we switched formations to have more people attacking. Haley put a great ball across the middle, and Anna did what seniors need to do in tight times: put it away.”

On the team’s overall performance… “We are still finding our groove out on the field and I believe multiple people have opportunities to step into more impactful roles on the field. We have a stretch of three games in a quick turnaround, we will need everyone to get through and be successful.”

On the upcoming home opener … “It’s the first home athletic event o the 2022-23 academic year, under the lights and at Morgan Bros. Field/ W cannot wait to have all of the new students, families and supporters out at the game. Austin Peay athletics has a great environment and we plan on putting on a show.”

Up Next

Austin Peay returns home for its first regular season match of the season against Idaho State at 6 p.m., Friday, at Morgan Bros. Soccer Field. Following heir contest against the Bengals the Govs host Chattanooga for a 1 p.m. Sunday match.