Soccer played their last two home games of the 2024 season against Indiana State and Valparaiso.

Oct. 17 vs Indiana State

Murray State went against the Indiana State Sycamores on Thursday, Oct. 17, at Cutchin Field but lost 1-0.

The first half saw a lot of action, the Racers’ had a strong performance, as they kept possession and outshot the Sycamores 12-4. Their attacking pressure was impressive, with several close chances like two balls hitting the post. That kept the Valparaiso defense moving a lot. Despite not scoring, the Racers displayed solid teamwork and determination, ending the half tied at 0-0.

As the second half began, the game intensity began to increase, with both teams going hard for a goal.The Racers continued to put pressure on Sycamore goalkeeper Maddie Alexander , putting eight shots on goal compared to Indiana State’s four. However, Indiana State was the first team to score courtesy of forward Mackenzie Kent, who scored in the 55th minute.

After Indiana State scored, the Racers responded with six shots, two of which were on goal. They kept pushing forward, creating good chances to score. However, despite their efforts and close calls, they couldn’t find the back of the net.

The Racers will continue to look for their first conference win on Senior Day vs Valparaiso.

Oct. 20 vs Valparaiso

The Racers pulled off an impressive 2-1 comeback win against the Beacons on Sunday afternoon at Cutchin Field, making an exciting game for the home finale. This win also marked history for head coach Matt Lodge, who got his 60th career win, putting him in a tie with Beth Acreman for the most wins in the program’s history.

It wasn’t an ideal start for the Racers, as Valpo struck early with a goal in the second minute. But Murray State’s defense quickly tightened up, allowing just four more shots from the Beacons in the remaining 43 minutes of the first half.

After a scoreless first half for the Racers, Sydney Etter changed the momentum in the 50th minute with her fourth goal of the season, tying the game. Her goal was set up by a perfectly timed assist from Hannah Carter, marking the first assist of her career.

The game-winning goal was made in the 67th minute. Morgan Bodker headed the ball into the top-left corner off a well placed corner right in the box from Mackenzie Tucker. It was a memorable moment for Bodker on her Senior Day, securing her third career game-winning goal.

Bodker’s performance wasn’t just about the score though. She also moved to second all-time in career minutes played for the Racers, surpassing Saraya Young with 6,796 minutes. Now, she’s only 40 minutes away from breaking the all-time record held by Izzy Heckman, who logged 6,835 minutes in her career.

The Racers outshot Valpo 24-8. In the first half, they had 15 shots to Valpo’s five, followed by nine shots in the second half compared to Valpo’s three. This match was the fourth time this season that the Racers managed over 20 shots and hit at least 10 on target.

With their home games completed, the Racers hit the road for the final two matches of the regular season. They take on Northern Iowa this Thursday, October 24 at 3 p.m, followed by the season finale against Drake on Sunday, October 27 at 12 p.m.