Racers Open Season With Win At Mississippi State

Sunday, August 23

Starkville, Miss.

1 p.m.

Murray State

1-0-0

Mississippi State

0-2-0

Murray St.

Mississippi St.

8/23/2015 6:38:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

The Murray State women's soccer team defeated Mississippi State Sunday in Starkville, 2-1 on goals by Harriet Withers and Taylor Richerson.

Murray State (1-0) was the first on the board in the 19^th minute, when Richerson found Withers in front of the net. Withers kicked a hard shot high and out of reach for Mississippi State goalie Tanya de Souza for the first Racer goal of the season.

However, the 1-0 lead wouldn't last long as freshman Kiley Martens scored the Bulldogs' first goal with an assist from freshman Elva Astthorsdottir in 33rd minute. The score remained 1-1 for the rest of the opening stanza, making things level at the break.

In the 61^st minute, a red card was issued to Courtney Robicheaux after a hard tackle on a sliding Richerson inside the 18-yard box. MSU was awarded a penalty kick opportunity and Richerson cooly converted on the first PK of her career to gave the Racers a 2-1 lead.

Lightning in the area caused for a rain delay in the 75^th minute, causing a 30 minute break in the action.

After the delay, the Bulldogs made a change at goal, playing Rhylee DeCrane, in an attempt to change the momemtum. Despite the change and Mississippi State (0-2) leading the game in shot attempts, 8-5, it wasn't enough as the Racers pulled out the 2-1 victory.

Coach Jeremy Groves was impressed with his team's performance, saying that from his back line to his midfielders to his forwards, the team played well.

This was the first time in program history that the Racers have defeated a team from the SEC in regular-season play. The Racers are now 6-9-1 in opening games and 4-5-1 on the road in opening games.

The Racers continue their season-opening four-match road stretch Friday when they take on Little Rock at 7 p.m.