Women's Soccer 9/19/2019 3:00:00 PM Chris Brannick

Bronchos Make First Road Trip Friday

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – The University of Central Oklahoma soccer team hits the road for the first time in 2019 Friday when the 15th-ranked Bronchos visit Northeastern State University for a non-conference matchup against their Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association foe and long-time rival.

Central is 3-0-1 on the season while NSU is 4-0.

"It will be good to finally get on the road," UCO head coach Mike Cook said. "You need to have that time together as a team to really grow. The bus ride, being the visitors, you need that to grow and we're looking forward to the weekend."

UCO's 2019 schedule began with four home games before Friday's trip east. The Bronchos though will then return home and play their next five games at Tom Thompson Field in Edmond. That takes Central to the halfway point of the season. The Bronchos will play just two of the final eight games at home.

UCO is ranked 15th in the country this season and has been ranked in each of the three national coaches' polls that have been released this year. The Bronchos are bolstered by an up-tempo offense that has found a stride early.

Asha Haile and Kelsie Eason both have six goals this season to lead the team and both are ranked in the top-10 in the nation in scoring. The pair is also in the top-20 nationally in total points. Eason has two assists to go with her six goals for 14 points while Haile has one assist to go with her six goals for 13 points.

Central Oklahoma averages five goals per game through four games played this season, which is also among the best in the nation. UCO scored three in its opener, when it tied nationally-rated Dallas Baptist, but has scored six, five, and six in each of its three wins. The Bronchos put the pressure on defenses and keep it going for 90 minutes. Central also averages 28.5 shots per game.

Haile and Eason have been backed up by Eden Jones and Hannah Daaboul, who both have a pair of goals this season. Haley Post, Katy Tullis, Ashton Johnson, and Katie Gasaway also have scored on goal. Tullis has a team-high three assists in four games. Eason's two is the next best. Central has assisted on 14 of 20 goals so far this season.

Defensively, Central has a 1.75 goals allowed average. The Bronchos have given up seven goals in four games. UCO has used all three of its goalkeepers through four games. Kaitlyn Asher has a team-high 200 minutes played and has given up three goals and made eight saves. Kelsi Gibson and Bailey Ledbetter have both played 90 minutes and allowed two goals. Both also have two saves.

Northeastern State averages 2.75 goals per game, putting 11 shots in the back of the net in four games this season. NSU has allowed just three goals in four games, a 0.75 GAA. Almost all of the Riverhawks' scoring comes from Mariah Nicolet, who has five goals in four games. Five other players each have a goal for NSU.

Central Oklahoma will return home Sunday to open a new homestand. The Bronchos play Newman at 1 p.m. at Tom Thompson Field in another non-conference game against an MIAA opponent. UCO hosts Rogers State next Friday in a similar MIAA non-con match before officially opening its 9-game league slate later next weekend.

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Players Mentioned

#1 Kaitlyn Asher: GK; 5' 7"; Junior

#10 Kelsie Eason: MF; 5' 6"; Junior

#16 Katie Gasaway: MF; 5' 5"; Sophomore

#0 Kelsi Gibson: GK; 5' 7"; Sophomore

#19 Asha Haile: F; 5' 4"; Senior

#18 Ashton Johnson: D; 5' 3"; Junior

#13 Haley Post: F; 5' 5"; Senior

#17 Katy Tullis: MF; 5' 3"; Sophomore

#15 Eden Jones: MF; 5' 9"; Freshman

#00 Bailey Ledbetter: GK; 5' 6"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#1 Kaitlyn Asher
: 5' 7"; Junior
: GK

#10 Kelsie Eason
: 5' 6"; Junior
: MF

#16 Katie Gasaway
: 5' 5"; Sophomore
: MF

#0 Kelsi Gibson
: 5' 7"; Sophomore
: GK

#19 Asha Haile
: 5' 4"; Senior
: F

#18 Ashton Johnson
: 5' 3"; Junior
: D

#13 Haley Post
: 5' 5"; Senior
: F

#17 Katy Tullis
: 5' 3"; Sophomore
: MF

#15 Eden Jones
: 5' 9"; Freshman
: MF

#00 Bailey Ledbetter
: 5' 6"; Freshman
: GK