Murray State University Athletics
Murray State
Eastern Kentucky
Isbell and Fraser Lift Racers Past Colonels in First Round of OVC Tournament
11/6/2009 3:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
The third-seeded Murray State women's soccer improved to 9-8-2 overall and 6-2-1 in the OVC as they knocked off the sixth-seeded Eastern Kentucky Colonels, 1-0 at Jayne Stadium in the first round of the OVC Tournament.
EKU outshot MSU 5-4 in the first half with each of their five shots being on goal. Tara Isbell didn't allow anything past her though as she helped keep the game scoreless headed into halftime. The Racers were able to get their shots on target twice in the half, once by Rebecca Shultz and the other by Nicole Evans. Both shots were stopped by Colonels goalkeeper, Stephanie Lynch. The teams would enter the locker rooms tied at the half, 0-0.
Both teams were desperate for a goal in the second half in order to stay away from overtime and preserve energy for tomorrow's match. The Colonels best chance to score came in the 79th minute of play when Carly Muller had a shot from point blank range, but her shot was blocked by a MSU defender. It looked as though the teams were headed for extra time just as freshman Ashley Fraser deflected in a shot from five yards out to give the Racers the 1-0 lead in the 86th minute of play. The goal was Fraser's first of the season and it couldn't have came at a better time.
The Racers defense didn't allow a shot on goal for the remaining four minutes of play.
Isbell tallied eight saves on the night to earn her fourth shutout of the season and 15th of her career, which ties her with Karen Fitzharris for the most all-time.
MSU will be back in action tomorrow night as they take on the second-seeded UT Martin Skyhawks at Jayne Stadium. Start time is set for 7 p.m. central time.
SOCCER TOURNEY FREE ON OVCSPORTS.TV: The entire 2009 OVC Soccer Tournament will be available for free on OVCSports.TV. The three-day event will be web streamed live. For more information visit OVCSports.com.
