Racers Off To Hot Start: Defeat NKU 3-2

Sunday, September 3

Highland Heights, Ky.

1 p.m.

Murray State

4-0-0

Northern Kentucky

3-2-0

Murray State

Northern Kentucky

Photo by: Dave Winder-Murray State Athletics

9/3/2017 3:13:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

Off to their best start in program history, the Murray State Racers (4-0) waited until the 86^th minute to defeat Northern Kentucky (3-2) by a score of 3-2 to secure their fourth win of the year at the NKU Soccer Stadium.

"I thought we played well again. We passed the ball well and created multiple opportunities. Up 2-0 at half time, I was disappointed that we didn't put the game away in the first half." Said head coach Jeremy Groves discussing the most recent win.

It took less than six minutes for the Racers to get on the board, as Rebecca Kubin punched her first goal of the year from inside the box to put Murray State up 1-0. The first half scoring wasn't over for the blue and gold, as Harriet Withers received a punched out ball from the keeper, striking into the top right corner to give the Racers a 2-0 lead heading to the second half.
"We always want to come out and play like this in every game. We scored two goals and then took our foot off the gas." said Groves.

Not wanting to let the match get away from them, the Norse struck back quickly in the second half, taking advantage of a rebound at the 47^th minute to cut the lead to one. A free kick into the box from Northern Kentucky helped produce the tying goal at the 70^th minute to make it a 2-2 game. "They were beating us to the ball on those goals. They were the quickest and first to react, we were responding to them."Groves said when asked about the two goals let up.

The game turned into a back and forth match for the next 16 minutes, where at the 86^th minute Kayla Travis took a shot from the top of the box, beating the keeper to the left side to clinch a 3-2 victory.

"It was important to get Kubin and Travis going today. Kubin has had qualities chances this year, good to see her get her first. Travis had a nice goal as well, created the chance herself and struck it well. I've said it all along, we aren't the Harriett Withers show. We have multiple threats that can get hot at any time." Commented Groves on the goal scorers today.

Overall, the Racers combined for 24 shot shots with eight getting to the goalkeeper. Along with the impressive shot total, there were seven corner kicks for Murray.

Alex Steigerwald was tested by the NKU offense, as she made a season high six saves for her fourth win of the year.

The Racers return to home field for their next match, which pits them against the Trojans of Little Rock on Friday, September 8 at 3 P.M. at Cutchin Field.