Murray State soccer hosted two games at Cutchin Field this past week, resulting in a loss to Belmont 2-0, and a 1-1 draw with Illinois State.
Oct. 3 vs Belmont
Murray State competed with the Belmont Bruins, but ultimately lost 2-0 on Thursday, Oct. 3, at Cutchin Field. From the opening whistle, both teams showcased strong offensive and defensive skills, creating an exciting game.
The first half saw impressive passing and one crucial save, but neither team managed to find the back of the net. The Racers had 9 shots taken. leaving the score tied at 0-0 at halftime.
As the second half began, the intensity began to increase, with both teams pushing hard for a goal. Multiple shots on goal and well-placed crosses kept the pressure on each defense.
In the second half, Belmont broke through, scoring a header off a free kick in the 65th minute made by Reagan Ross. As the game continued into the 85th minute, Carly Ross got an unassisted goal.
Head coach Matt Lodge was disappointed that his team couldn’t find a result after a good first half.
“I thought it was a tale of two halves,” Lodge said. I thought the first half, we were good—we created enough. Second half, I think the goal totally took the wind out of our sails and we kind of—I wouldn’t say gave up, but we lost a lot of attacking prowess at that point and we accepted the 1-0. Good finish for the second goal, but we’re in a bit of a slug right now. Four games in a row we have not won in conference play, so we need to figure something out quickly.”
Oct. 6 vs Illinois State
Murray State soccer held the lead for most of the second half, but a late Illinois State equalizer saw the match end in a 1-1 draw.
Both teams ended the first half scoreless. The Racers outshot the Redbirds 6-3, forcing Illinois State goalkeeper Madi Valenti to make three saves. Only one of the three first half shots by the Redbirds challenged Racer keeper Isa de Santos Gomez, playing her second game in place of Griselda Revelorio.
It didn’t take long for a goal to get scored, as Breece Bass would put the Racers in the lead just after halftime, in the 48th minute. A beautifully placed chip while Valenti was off her line saw the Racers take a 1-0 lead.
Murray State would continue through the second half with the lead and looked as if they would get their first conference win of the season, but Illinois State didn’t give up.
The Racers conceded a corner in the 86th minute to Illinois State. Redbird defender Erika Wells sent a corner kick into the box and forward Aniya Seymour would turn the header into the goal to tie the game at 1-1 in the 87th minute.
Head Coach Matt Lodge gave credit to Illinois State but wants to help his defense figure out a way to hold on to finish games with wins.
“Credit to Illinois State, they never quit, ” Lodge said. “[A] great header in the dying minutes there. I think our backs are up against the wall right now and we’ve just got to figure out a way to stick together and grind out some results to get us in the tournament. It was a great finish from Breece—glad to get her back off the marks, it’s been a while since she scored. Again, we created enough. I think Nat Miller and Sami had an opportunity there in the dying seconds to win the game for us, and their keeper came up with two big saves. Again, it’s a cruel sport. We have to finish our chances and we have to find a way to finish out games.”
Murray State’s next match is on Oct. 10 in Springfield, Missouri, when the Racers will visit the Missouri State Bears. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m.
