Rachel Essner
Staff Writer
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The Murray State soccer team travelled to Xavier University on Sunday, Aug. 29, where the Racers suffered their first loss of the 2021 season, falling 2-1. 

The Musketeers were the first to make it on the scoreboard with a goal from freshman forward Shelby Sallee in the 25th minute of the first half. 

Only three minutes later, the Musketeers doubled their score with a goal from senior forward Sarah Owusu to end the half with Xavier leading 2-0. 

The Racers scored their lone goal of the second half in the 17th minute after junior midfielder Lauren Payne found the back of the net on a penalty shot, her second goal of the season. 

Murray State was not able to score again, leading the Musketeers to take the game 2-1 and bringing the Racers’ overall record to 2-1. 

The Racers ended the match with nine total shots and five on goal, while the Musketeers had 22 shots with nine on goal. 

Junior goalkeeper Jenna Villacres finished the match with seven saves while Xavier’s senior goalkeeper Olivia Jenkins finished with four. 

The Racers will travel to Boca Raton, Florida on Friday, Sept. 3, to take on Florida Atlantic University at 7 p.m.