MT Raiders remain in first with win over USA

by MT Athletic Communications

October 14, 2012

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Two goals in the span of 25 seconds carried Middle Tennessee soccer to a 2-1 victory over South Alabama on Sunday afternoon at the Dean A. Hayes Track & Soccer Stadium.

The Blue Raiders (13-3, 8-0 Sun Belt) trailed South Alabama for nearly 32 minutes until defender Allison Stallard scored an equalizer at the 72^nd minute off a free kick attempt. Paige Goeglein was credited with the assist.

Just 25 seconds later, Murfreesboro’s own Tori Hawins notched the golden goal from a Whitney Jorgenson deflected shot off the USA goalkeeper.

Sunday’s win helped the Raiders stay atop the Sun Belt standings with 24 points as North Texas remains a close second with 22 points.

The Blue Raiders controlled offensive possession, pelting 23 shots with 11 on goal against South Alabama. The Jaguars (7-8-2, 2-4-1 SBC) had 10 opportunities in the match. The Raiders controlled the corner kick advantage, 5-2.

Freshman Kelsey Brouwer (8-2) managed her eighth victory, collecting four saves with just one goal against. South Alabama’s Lauren Arnold (4-6-1) took the loss, allowing two goals with nine saves.

South Alabama took advantage of unusually windy conditions to score the first goal at the 40^th minute. Clarissa Hernandez notched her fourth of the year from 40 yards out to put the Jags up 1-0.

Middle Tennessee had a strong first half with 16 shots, but was unable to capitalize.

In the first half, freshman Kate Loye had a team-best four shots. Paige Goeglein connected with two shots on goal out of three attempts.

MT has a short week before visiting second place North Texas on Thursday, Oct. 18. The match is slated for 7pm in Denton, Texas.