Western Kentucky University’s soccer program wrapped up its preseason exhibition series with a 1‑1 stalemate against Samford at the WKU Soccer Complex, using an unconventional format of three 30‑minute periods instead of the standard two 45‑minute halves.
Samford drew first blood in the 72nd minute, but the Lady Toppers pressed for an equaliser, creating two clear chances before the decisive moment arrived.
A Test in Three Periods
Freshman Rose Finnegan stepped up to convert a penalty in the 86th minute, securing the point for WKU and capping a composed finish under pressure.
Goalkeeping duties were shared between Mia Riddick and Emma Teague, with Riddick making three saves in the opening half and Teague adding four more after the break, highlighting the team’s depth between the posts.
Head coach Jason Neidell praised the match as a valuable test against a quality opponent that had just upset Ole Miss, emphasizing the growth he observed among the freshmen cohort.
The Lady Toppers will now turn their attention to the regular season, opening on Thursday, August 13, against Missouri at 7 p.m. The game will be played in front of a free‑admission crowd, marking the start of a new chapter for the program.