Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Middle Tennessee
9-5-1 (4-3-1)
Southern Miss
11-3-1 (5-2-1)
Raiders Fall to Southern Miss on Senior Night
10/19/2018 9:34:00 PM | Women's Soccer
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – On an emotional senior night the Blue Raiders fell 1-0 to Conference USA foe Southern Miss. The first half was looking to come to an end in a 0-0 deadlock, however the Golden Eagles found the right touch late to take the lead just before halftime. The second half was full of missed chances for Middle Tennessee. Carolin Engelhard turned in a fine second half performance, almost converting two chances for the Blue Raiders that could have tied the game up. With the loss, the Blue Raiders slip out of third place in the conference and now have a 4-3-1 conference record and 9-5-1 overall mark.
Match Moments
17' – CHANCE (MT) – After a corner sent in by Amber Hoot landed in the box, chaos ensued with the ball coming free to Casey Reimer, however she couldn't finish the opportunity.
23' – SAVE (MT) – Senior Celeste Barnard came up big for the Blue Raiders making a diving save on a breakaway chance for Southern Miss.
34' – CHANCE (USM) – The Golden Eagles looked to break the ice on the game off a shot by Ashton Stennis, but to no avail as Barnard came up strong with a save.
42' – GOAL (USM) – Caitlin Pierce nets a free kick into the top left corner to give the Golden Eagles the lead.
49' – CHANCE (MT) – Casey Riemer rushed down the right flank of the field to find the ball coming across the goal, sadly the Golden Eagle keeper made a save.
61' – CHANCE (MT) – Amber Hoot's free kick from way outside the box causes some confusion as the ball found its way to the goal only to bounce off the right post.
70' – CHANCE (MT) – Middle Tennessee thought they had brought the game even after Carolin Engelhard ripped a shot from the top of the box that fired off the post.
85' – CHANCE (MT) – Engelhard again does her best to even up the score for the Blue Raiders but can't convert as her shot sailed just over the crossbar.
Post Game Comments
Head Coach Aston Rhoden
On tonight's match…
"The Southern Miss keeper had a very strong game and it ended up being a difference maker tonight. We didn't take our chances and when we did the goalkeeper came up big for them."
On finishing out the season…
"We've got two matches left, North Texas and UAB. NT here on Wednesday and UAB next Saturday. So certainly it is about finishing as strong as we can and getting ourselves into the tournament."
On the three seniors…
"The senior class has been excellent. You watch Celeste and Sydney play– they had outstanding seasons. If anyone comes to our practices, you see the significance that Katelynn plays with our team. It's been really good having those players be a part of our program and I'm really glad they have stuck with us for four years."
Senior Comments
Next Match
The Blue Raiders will be at home again on Wednesday, October 24, when they play host to the Mean Green of North Texas. The make-up game from earlier this season is set for a 6 p.m. kickoff.
Team Stats
PIERCE, Caitlin (1)
Set piece driven over keeper
42:54
