Racers Draw With Redbirds In Sunday Afternoon Contest

Sunday, October 6

Murray, Ky.

1 p.m.

Murray State

4-5-4, 0-2-3

Illinois State

3-7-3, 1-2-2

Illinois St.

Murray St.

Photo by: Dave Winder-Murray State Athletics

10/6/2024 5:03:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score Box Score (PDF)

Freshman Breece Bass scored her third goal of the season in the second half.

By: Drew Parsley

The Racers ended Sunday's match with the Illinois State Redbirds in a 1-1 draw at Cutchin Field.

After a scoreless first half where the Racers outshot the Redbirds 6-3, MSU kept the offensive pressure by taking the lead just over two minutes into the second half.

Freshman Breece Bass received a flick pass from junior Sydney Etter, who had her back turned towards the net. Bass headed the ball which then dropped to her feet, and she floated her lone shot of the day over a Redbird defender and the goalie to give Murray State the lead with over 40 minutes left to play.

Bass scored her third goal of the season and her first since August 18 when she scored her first two career goals and game-winner in a 2-1 victory over Southeast Missouri. Etter dished her second assist of the year and sixth of her career. Etter's two assists thus far ties her personal season best.

Down to the final four minutes of the match after a battle of possession throughout the half, the Redbirds equalized on a header delivered from a corner set piece.

Immediately following the goal, the Racers dashed to their attacking end where Sami Wilson and Natalie Miller both attempted game winners, but both shots were knocked away by the Illinois State keeper to maintain the draw.

Sunday's match saw plenty of physical play with 27 total fouls through 90 minutes. The Racers put nine of their 14 shots on goal as a team for a .643 shots on goal percentage. It was the fifth time Murray State recorded at least a .600 shots on goal percentage as a team this season. 10 of the 11 starters saw the pitch for at least 70 minutes.

The Racers return to play when they face the Missouri State Bears in Springfield, Missouri on Thursday, October 10. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. CT.

Head Coach Matt Lodge on his team's performance in Sunday's match:
"Credit to Illinois State, they never quit. [A] great header in the dying minutes there. I think our backs are up against the wall right now and we've just got to figure out a way to stick together and grind out some results to get us in the tournament. It was a great finish from Breece—glad to get her back off the marks, it's been a while since she scored. Again, we created enough. I think Nat Miller and Sami had an opportunity there in the dying seconds to win the game for us, and their keeper came up with two big saves. Again, it's a cruel sport. We have to finish our chances and we have to find a way to finish out games."

Head Coach Matt Lodge on his team's confidence going into Missouri State after a two-match scoring drought:
"I think it's going to help us. We're coming off of two losses on the bounce and we pick up a point. I believe these are games we should be winning, but we've taken two losses on the bounce and then to get a point is a step in the right direction. But, we have to prepare for a very good Missouri State team."

For more information on the Murray State women's soccer program, visit GoRacers.com or follow @RacersSoccer on X and Instagram.