UPDATE: Middle Tennessee women’s soccer just clinched a spot in the Conference USA Tournament with a decisive 1-0 victory over Kennesaw State Saturday night at Fifth Third Stadium. The Blue Raiders, now boasting a record of 10-5-3 (5-2-1 CUSA), achieved this milestone in a tightly contested match, marking a thrilling end to their regular season.
In a pivotal moment, senior forward Emma Pettersen netted the winning goal in the 71st minute, her ninth of the season, with a crucial assist from Taijah Fraser. The match was not without drama; both teams faced a double red card in the 60th minute, yet Middle Tennessee maintained composure and control throughout the game.
Freshman goalkeeper Ella Sellers played an instrumental role in the victory, delivering four critical saves, including a remarkable stop of a penalty kick from Kennesaw State just 17 minutes into the match. Sellers recorded her fourth shutout of the season, showcasing her skill under pressure.
Head Coach Aston Rhoden expressed pride in his team’s performance, stating,
“Really proud of the team’s performance tonight. It was another tough game, but we showed great resilience to earn the win. Now we’ll rest tomorrow and start preparing for the CUSA Tournament next weekend.”
Statistically, the Blue Raiders outshot the Owls 16-6, securing a narrow 3-4 advantage in shots on goal and controlling 51% of possession during the match. This victory not only solidified their tournament berth but also demonstrated their ability to perform under pressure.
Looking ahead, the Blue Raiders are set to enter the Conference USA Tournament as the fourth seed, with their first match scheduled for November 2 in Lynchburg, VA. Fans and supporters are encouraged to follow the team’s journey on social media platforms like Facebook (BlueRaiderSoccer), X (MT_Soccer), and Instagram (mt_wsoccer).
This victory marks a significant achievement for Middle Tennessee women’s soccer, and their determination and skill will be key as they aim for success in the upcoming tournament.
