INDIANAPOLIS - The IU Indianapolis women's soccer team collected a resounding 2-0 victory over Eastern Illinois at Carroll Stadium on Thursday night (Sept. 5), limiting the Panthers to just seven shot attempts in the shutout win. Senior Ashton Kudlo authored her 13th career shutout and Caroline Kelley and Ella Green contributed first half goals in the win. The short-handed Jaguars utilized just five reserves due to a mountain of injuries and illness, but were able to fend off Eastern Illinois (2-3-2) for the first win over the Panthers since 2016. 

Kelley deposited the game-winner in the 19th minute and Green tacked on insurance in the 42nd minute. 

"It's great to be back in the win column," Kelley said after tallying her second goal of the season. "I think the team needed it for our confidence. There are a lot of good things we saw out here and a lot of things we're going to build upon for the rest of the season before conference."

It was an offensive build that broke the ice for the Jaguars (1-4-1) attack as a Hannah Roberson throw-in found the feet of Maia Ransom deep in EIU territory. Ransom delivered a pass to Kelley, who made a gorgeous turn against her defender before angling a shot inside the far post for the game's first tally. Senior Makenna Collins just missed a goal moments later when her left-footed shot went wide of target in the 38th minute. Green, who had played just 32 minutes all season entering play, didn't miss in the 42nd minute to provide the Jaguars some cushion. Sophomore Avery Bangert played a cross into the box, where Green settled the pass and redirected a left-footed attempt past EIU goalkeeper Ashlyn Hoover for a score. 

Neither side was particularly dangerous in the second half as Emma Frey had a couple attempts from distance early in the frame and Kelley had a bullet on frame in the 79th minute. Kudlo made a pair of saves after halftime as part of her shutout. 

Frey and Kelley attempted two shots each as the Jags enjoyed a scant 8-7 advantage in shot attempts and 4-2 edge in shots on frame. The two goals were a welcome sight after the Jags had scored just three in the season's opening five games. 

"It felt fantastic," head coach Chris Johnson said of the two first half scores. "We've got to learn how to score goals in the run of play, as well as on set pieces. To get two tonight was a great way to get us started. Hopefully we can build off that."

Four Jags played a full 90 minutes as Frey, Ransom, Katie Hoog and Kailyn Smith didn't come off the field. Bangert led the five reserves with 49 minutes off the bench. 

The Jaguars will continue the quick two-game homestand when the Jaguars host Butler on Sunday (Sept. 8) at 7:00 p.m. at Carroll Stadium.