Rachel Essner
Staff Writer
The Murray State soccer team hosted Austin Peay State University at Cutchin Field on Tuesday, March 16, for the Battle of the Border rivalry match. The Racers kept their win streak, taking the game at 1-0 and increasing their streak to 5-0 overall.
Redshirt sophomore forward Marti Floyd scored the only goal of the game in minute 27 of the first half after finishing a cross from senior forward Rebecca Kubin to give the Racers a 1-0 lead. Floyd became the eighth player to score for Murray State this season, while also scoring her first goal as a Racer.
The Racers entered halftime leading 1-0 after outshooting the Governors 5-2 and owning 58% of possession time.
Murray State controlled the second half, generating 15 shots against Austin Peay. However, it was the defense that stole the spotlight. The back line prevented Austin Peay from scoring a goal and preserved the clean slate while only allowing eight shots on the day.
“I made the whole team give [the defense] a round of applause kind of thing because they saved our butts today,” said Head Coach Matt Lodge.
Kubin’s assist brought her season point total to a team-high of eight, with three goals and two assists.
Sophomore goalkeeper Jenna Villacres made three saves, earning her first shutout of the season.
“Congrats to Jenna Villacres as well on her first clean sheet of the season,” Lodge said. “We’re happy with that. Any time you can start a season 5-0 I think you’re going to be happy.”
The Racers will hit the road to Jacksonville State University, where they will kickoff at 3 p.m. on Friday, March 19.
