RICHMOND, Ky. (October 25, 2026) – The University of North Alabama women's soccer team took home its first win over Eastern Kentucky in program history Sunday afternoon with a 1-0 shutout in Richmond, Ky.
North Alabama (6-4-5, 3-3-2 UAC) used captain Charlotte Sobotka's 31st minute goal to hold for the win. The Lions previously held and 0-3-4 record against EKU entering this game in Richmond.
Eastern Kentucky (8-6-3, 4-2-2 UAC) was held scoreless thanks to the Lion defense and the heroics of Emily Dorfman. The keeper wiped away all four shots on target with the Lion defense pushing the other seven shots off frame.
After his sixth win this season, head coach Chris Walker earned his 111th career win at North Alabama. That win ties him for the most wins in program history alongside Graham Winkworth; Walker can claim sole possession against Austin Peay at home on Thursday.
Sobotka scored her third career game-winning goal since joining the Lions ahead of the 2025 season. Her first came against Central Arkansas in the conference opener last season before enjoying her second against SEMO in August of this year.
The Lions had a .667 mark for shots on frame as six of the nine put pressure on the Colonel keeper. Alana Owens led the charge with three shots and two on frame for the afternoon.
Another defensive day for the Lions, the backline comprised of Adelyn Speight, Lilly Ford, Gracie Tyrrell, Avery Smith and Langley Wallace kept their keeper upright for a majority of the game. The defense played an exceptional game against the UAC Blue Division leader as the team limited scoring opportunities and quieted the Colonel passing lanes.
Dorfman had several great saves but none better than the 41st minute leaping punch out from an EKU free kick. The ball, placed just outside the box, was sent at the top of the crossbar where Dorfman floated in midair to clear out the opportunity.
These two programs have competed against each other since 2021, appearing as conference opponents. Both becoming premier soccer programs across the Atlantic Sun Conference and picked as UAC preseason favorites this season, the Lions secured their first win over the Colonels today.
Most notably, these two teams always bring a gritty defensive style presence to the pitch which has resulted in four draws during the seven matchups. The four draws is the most against a single team all-time with Southern Indiana having the second-most at three.
With this win, North Alabama clinched a spot in the postseason tournament in Conway Ark. which begins with the first round on Nov. 8. The Lions still have an opportunity for the first seed but will need some outside help from the rest of the UAC field.
Twenty Lions found playing time on Sunday. Four Lions competed full time in Tyrrell, Speight, Dorfman and Ford. Sobotka led the reserves with 43 minutes of action, with forward Anna Fugarino close behind at 39 minutes.
North Alabama returns home to close out the final two games of the 2026 regular season beginning with Austin Peay on Thursday, Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. at Bank Independent Stadium.
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
