Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Middle Tennessee
Murray State
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Blue Raiders face Murray State Saturday
8/18/2006 9:41:00 PM | Women's Soccer
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - After more than a week of rigorous practices and training against one another in the intense heat, Middle Tennessee's soccer team will take the field against someone other than itself when the Blue Raiders play host to Murray State in exhibition action at Blue Raider Field Saturday at 4 p.m.
In addition to finally competing against an opponent the Blue Raiders, who return nine starters from last year's squad that tied a school record for wins (13), also have a pair of additional bonuses. One, they get to return to Blue Raider Field after playing at the practice complex while construction was taking place at the game field during 2005 and, two, Murray State is coached by former longtime Middle Tennessee assistant Beth Acreman - who was part of the first Sun Belt championship in program history in 2004 and played a part in the recruiting process of many of the current upperclassmen.
Middle Tennessee fifth-year coach Aston Rhoden, a two-time Sun Belt Conference Coach of the Year, downplays the fact the Blue Raiders are opposing one of their own in many respects.
"Personally it's not that big of a game for me in that regard," Rhoden said. "People who know us will say something like, 'It's Beth versus Aston,' but the reality is I'm excited because we are playing somebody that knows about us. If they know about us and we can still get done the things we need to do then it means we are well on our way.
"If they know about us and prevent us from doing certain things then it helps us figure out how we need to change. In some respects I'm happy that the game is played against someone that knows our team and can certainly put some things in place that can prevent us from doing the things we want to do and we like to do. I think it's a huge plus for us because it's going to challenge us."
Although Rhoden may not think it's a big deal that Acreman is on the opposing bench, the players have a different thought process.
Revenge? Not really, but pride is part of the equation.
"I'm really excited about the game and this is a chance for us to come together and show what we've got," said junior forward Holly Grogan, a first-team All-Sun Belt selection in 2005. "That, along with the fact that it's against (Acreman) and we want to show her what it's all about, is really exciting."
The opportunity to play is most important, regardless of who is coaching the team, and after 10 days of what Rhoden calls outstanding work ethic and chemistry, the Blue Raiders are ready to compete in a friendly.
"Every team in the country looks forward to playing their exhibition game," Rhoden said. "It gives the players an opportunity to figure out how they match up against each other. Even in training, you can never simulate what you get in competition in terms of the emotion so we don't really know, especially with the new players, how much the intensity level goes up in competition - outside of what we saw when we recruited them, but this is a whole new ball game now."
Even though Saturday's game doesn't count in the standings it is a step toward a 2006 season the Blue Raiders anticipate being something special.
"This is what we have been waiting for," said junior defender Ingrid Christensen, the 2005 Sun Belt Conference Newcomer of the Year. "We actually get to play a game and it's going to be exciting. I know the girls are ready for it, and I'm really looking forward to it. I'm so excited and looking forward to the season. This here is a great team and I know we are going to be battling."
One of the biggest battles brewing during training camp has been at the keeper position where sophomore Courtney Fortner and freshman standout Erynn Murray are competing for the job following the graduation of Danielle Perreault.
As of Friday evening's practice, Rhoden had not named a starter in goal.
"We have not been putting a whole lot of emphasis on who starts and who doesn't," Rhoden said. "We have been spending more time on, 'Can you take responsibility and give us quality minutes?' Each of them has had very good days and both have had off days in training, but I'm pleased that we have two keepers that are close and have demonstrated a willingness to learn and are just soaking up everything we are teaching them. It is still very much a battle like every position out there."
NOTE: Fans attending Saturday's exhibition game will need to park in the Holmes Lot on the back of the stadium (on Champions Way). The entrance into Blue Raider Field will be at the south entrance (scoreboard end of the field).
