Box Score MURRAY, Ky. – SIUE women's soccer lost an 2-0 decision to Ohio Valley Conference opponent Murray State Friday at Cutchin Field.
The Cougars are now 2-5-1 in OVC play while the Racers remain undefeated at 8-0.
"The desire and effort is there but when it comes to a big game, it's about who executes and about who gets it done," said Head Coach Derek Burton.
The Cougars managed to keep the Racers scoreless until just before the end of the first half. During the 43rd minute, Marissa Burroughs collected a ball passed in the circle and took goalkeeper Jennifer Pelley one-on-one before netting a low shot.
The second Racer goal was scored in the 56th minute by Taylor Richerson, who beat her defender and scored at the opposite post.
After recording only one shot in the first half, the Cougars rallied to create more chances in the second half by adding nine more shots for a total of 10. The Cougars outshot the Racers 10-9. So far this season, no conference opponent has outshot SIUE in a single game.
"Playing really well and not scoring has been a theme for us," said Burton. "We did exactly what we wanted to do but couldn't put the ball away. Hats off to Murray State for putting their chances away."
Freshman Avery Anderson tallied two shots, both on goal for the Cougars. Courtney Benning notched three shots and one shot on goal. Pelley made four saves in her 90 minutes between the posts.
Despite the loss, the Cougars have turned their attention to their next match.
"We have to let this fall by the wayside because our sights have to be set on Sunday," said Burton. "We have no choice at this point. We have to be in the right frame of mind and recover physically. Our mentality has to be there and it'll be time to compete on Sunday."
The Cougars continue their road swing Sunday at Austin Peay for a 2 p.m. match-up.
