Rachel Essner
Staff Writer
The Murray State soccer team traveled to Martin, Tennessee, to take on University of Tennessee at Martin on Tuesday, March 9, where the Racers added another win to their record. The Racers are now 3-0 on the season.
The Racers outshot the Skyhawks 4-3 in the first 45 minutes of the game. However, both teams entered halftime scoreless.
It wasn’t until 11 minutes into the second half that UT Martin put the first point up on the scoreboard. Sophomore midfielder Lotte Koot of the Skyhawks put the ball into the Racers’ net off a corner kick to put the Skyhawks ahead 1-0.
After sophomore forward Lilly Strader was fouled on the edge of the penalty area, sophomore midfielder Lauren Payne delivered the penalty kick into the Skyhawks’ goal to tie the game 1-1 in the 30th minute of the second half.
Though the Racers outshot the Skyhawks 12-5 in the second half, they were not able to exceed one goal when the clock ran out, sending the game into overtime.
With less than three minutes left of extra time, junior forward Abby Jones played the ball to freshman forward Chloe Barnthouse behind the Skyhawks’ defense, who gave it to Strader to slip into the Skyhawks’ goal for a 2-1 victory.
Payne and Strader became the fifth and sixth players to score a goal for Murray State this season. Payne’s goal was the third of her career and first this season and Strader’s goal was the second of her career and first of the season.
With an assist on the game-winning goal, Abby Jones recorded her 22nd career-assist, making her the all-time leader in assists in program history, passing Rebekah Clay (2005-08).
“Credit to Martin, it was a tough game,” said Head Coach Matt Lodge. “I’m just really proud to come here since it is a tough place to come and go away with three points.”
The Racers will return to Cutchin Field to host Belmont University on Friday, March 12, at 1 p.m.
