Featured Photo by Jaeda Jackson
Featured Story by Trapper Franklin
On Thursday, Oct. 3rd MTSU soccer (5-7) faced off against Conference USA rival, Jacksonville State (6-7). The Blue Raiders demonstrated a defensive masterclass in a 3-0 win over the Gamecocks.
The Blue Raiders shot first, taking a shot on goal in the seventh minute of play. However, this attempt was blocked by Gamecocks goalkeeper Baile Dean.
Jacksonville State responded in the 16th minute of play with a shot of their own. This shot attempt also failed, as it was blocked by MTSU freshman, Demi Gronauer.
Throughout the rest of the match, there were many possession changes involving missed shots and opportunities.
In the 37th minute MTSU would finally hit the net with a contested shot by junior forward, Taijah Fraser. This impressive goal would give momentum to the Blue Raiders going up 1-0.
Frustration from the Gamecocks boiled over in the only yellow card in the match, given to senior forward of Jacksonville State, Laleh Lonteen.
Shortly after the goal by Fraser, in the 41st minute, junior midfielder Manon Lebargy kicked the ball from deep inside the crowded penalty box to score the Blue Raiders’ second goal. This would be the last goal in the first half of play.
MTSU came out swinging in the second half with a shot attempt within the first minute. Bailie Dean made another great play on the ball to save another score.
The Blue Raiders scored one final time off an athletic shot made by junior forward, Idun Kvaale. Pushing into the penalty box, Kvaale stepped back from her defender and shot to the right corner of the net for the score. This final goal put MTSU up 3-0.
The defensive effort by the Blue Raiders was undeniable. Entering the contest, Jacksonville State was coming off an explosive 4-0 win against Louisiana Tech, yet the Gamecocks got held to zero points in 90 minutes on Thursday night.
“We worked together as a whole group, not just defenders playing defense, not just offensive players playing offense,” Kvaale said. “It was everyone playing offense, and everyone playing defense.”
The Blue Raiders overall game plan led to not only a great offensive win but a defensive victory against a high-scoring Jacksonville State team.
“We wanted to keep things as tight as we could, and at the same time not make it affect our attacking game,” head coach Ashton Rhoden said. “The key to the victory was having ball retention, according to the coach.”
The Blue Raiders defense finished out the game strong with two great defensive stops within three minutes of each other to prevent the Gamecocks from scoring.
Middle Tennessee continues conference play with Kennesaw State on Sunday, Oct. 6.
Trapper Franklin is a contributing writer for MTSU Sidelines
To contact the Sports and Assistant Sports Editor, email [email protected]
For more news, visit www.mtsusidelines.com, and follow us on Facebook at MTSU Sidelines and on X and Instagram @mtsusidelines. Also, sign up for our weekly newsletter here.
