CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Southeast Missouri (0-1) dropped its season-opener to Evansville (1-0), 2-1, Thursday night at Houck Field. 
 
SEMO and UE were scoreless in the first half. Both teams had a shot, but were unable to push it into the net.

The Redhawks struck first with a goal by Esmie Gonzales in the 53rd minute. Gonzales' goal came on a short shot from the left side after teammate Emily Holten brought the ball across the net to set up the play. 

UE tied the game on Emily Ormson's goal in the 68th minute. Amanda DaSilva then kicked the ball into a wide open net to send the Purple Aces to victory with under five minutes left to play.
 
Juniors Katie Lever and Gonzales led SEMO with three shots apiece. 
 
Lever recorded two shots in a matter of seconds after a Purple Aces defender rebounded one shot back to Lever for a second chance. Unfortunately, Lever was unable to get the ball into the goal. 
 
Holten recorded two shots on the night in addition to her one assist in her debut as a Redhawk. 
 
Maddie Gleeson suffered the loss after allowing the game-winner in the 85^thminute. Gleeson made four stops along the way.   
 
As a team, SEMO outshot the Aces 14-9.  The Redhawk defense held the Aces scoreless until the last 22 minutes of regulation. 

SEMO will return to action when it hosts in-state rival Missouri State on Aug. 21. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m., CT.