Rachel Essner
Staff Writer
The Murray State soccer team took on Tennessee Tech University at Cutchin Field on Tuesday, March 23. The Racers defeated the Golden Eagles 1-0 to improve their record to 6-1.
The Racers were able to put up the first and only goal of the game in the 20th minute after Tennessee Tech’s senior goalkeeper Isabelle Austin fouled junior forward Abby Jones inside the penalty box. Sophomore midfielder Lauren Payne stepped up to shoot the penalty kick for the Racers. Payne put the ball into the left side of the net as Austin dove the opposite direction, securing the goal for the Racers.
The teams entered halftime with the Racers leading 1-0. Despite not scoring again, the Racers kept control during the first half, owning 60% of the possession time.
With no goals scored in the second half, Murray State improved their record to 6-1 while also keeping their home winning streak of nine since their first conference contest of the 2019 season.
Sophomore goalkeeper Jenna Villacres made one first-half save and five second-half saves to keep the Golden Eagles scoreless for her second shutout of the season.
Payne’s goal was her second of the season and the fourth goal of her career.
“We changed some stuff from Friday, and I think that was evident today,” said Assistant Coach Paul Cox. “We had only practiced it a couple days, but the girls executed it brilliantly…I think it was the right result and I’m proud of the performance.”
The Racers will travel to Edwardsville, Illinois to take on Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville on Friday, March 26, at 7 p.m.
