With only four games left in the regular season, the Murray State soccer team is looking to overcome its losses and strengthen its OVC resume.
The Racers (3-10-0, 1-5 OVC) have dropped their last five games, all of which were in conference.
The latest additions to the loss column came last weekend when they faced off against SIUE (7-5-2, 4-2-1 OVC) Friday night and Eastern Illinois (5-11-0, 3-4-0 OVC) Sunday afternoon.
Freshman midfielder Cassidy Sherman scored the only goal of the game Friday, in the 34th minute to give the Cougars the win.
The Racers were outshot 18-8 in the contest and only recorded two shots on net, both in the first half.
“We fought very hard defensively and offensively,” sophomore defender Bronagh Kerins said. “We had a few chances but it was hard getting on goal. They had a set piece, they crossed in the ball and unfortunately they got a foot on it to score.”
Two days later the Racers traveled to Charleston, Ill., to play their last road game of the season.
The offense improved from the previous game, recording 15 shots in the match.
Despite the renewed effort, the Racers lost late as the Panthers scored in the 80th minute. Sophomore midfielder Meagan Radloff put away a rebounded saved ball giving Eastern Illinois the eventual win.
“In the first half we had a lot of chances on goal,” Kerins said. “We were driving through the center and fiercely attacking the goal. We missed our chances, though and unfortunately we didn’t get (a win).”
Head Coach Beth Acreman said the Racers haven’t played up to their potential, but she has seen improvements this year.
“Obviously the results aren’t what we were expecting and it’s not what we push for here at Murray State,” Acreman said. “It’s been tough with the results of the last weekend with just 1-0 losses. Those are really heartbreakers for a young group.”
Murray State has 14 underclassmen on the roster; nine are freshmen.
Acreman said the future is bright for her young team because they have gained experience and seen quality minutes this season.
“They definitely have learned a lot,” Acreman said. “A lot of them have played a lot of minutes, which for our future is a good thing.”
The Racers have four games remaining before the OVC Championship Tournament begins Nov. 1.
Each of the remaining four games are against conference opponents and will be played at home on Cutchin Field.
The Racers will be looking for several key conference wins heading into the OVC Tournament.
They play at 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 19 against Jacksonville State and 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21 against Tennessee Tech.
Nick Dolan, Staff Writer