MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Troy soccer fell 2-0 to Middle Tennessee in its opening match of the season on Thursday night. After battling to a scoreless first half, Middle Tennessee (1-0-0) scored twice in the second half to secure the victory.
MTSU outshot Troy (0-1-0) 16-4, while putting seven shots on goal compared to Troy's one attempt on target.
Following a two-hour weather delay, Troy opened the evening by creating offensive opportunities, earning three corners in the first 16 minutes of action.
The first shot on goal came in the 21st minute from Middle Tennessee's Scottie Newton, allowing Troy goalkeeper Taylor Richards to record her first save of the season. Richards led the Sun Belt with 66 saves a season ago.
Shortly after, Isabella Hartofelis recorded Troy's first shot on goal, forcing MTSU goalkeeper Demi Gronauer to make her first save of the night.
The first half ended level at zero with just six combined shots from the two sides.
To begin the second half, the Blue Raiders built momentum, forcing Richards to make three saves in the opening four minutes.
The pressure led to the breakthrough, as Ania Denham netted the game-winning goal off a free kick in the 60th minute.
In the 79th minute, a foul inside the box gave MTSU's Hannah Murphy a penalty kick, which she converted to extend the Blue Raiders' lead to 2-0.
Quotable
Head coach Jake Wyman
"The girls fought to the end tonight. I'm proud of their efforts. MTSU took advantage of two dead ball situations and that was the difference. We had a few decent chances in the first half including a goal that got called back. I think if we get on the front foot, it would've changed the momentum of the match. We'll learn from this and go again."
Match notes
Braelyn Carey made her collegiate debut in the starting lineup.
Troy is now 1-9-1 all-time against Middle Tennessee.
Troy will return to action on Thursday, Aug. 20, as the team heads on the road to take on Southeastern Louisiana. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m., with the match streaming on ESPN+.
This content is sourced from
Troy University Dothan Campus
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