MURRAY, Ky. -- Drake women's soccer responded to a second half equalizer for a gritty 2-1 win against Murray State at Cutchin Field on Thursday, Oct. 19. The positive result puts the Bulldogs only one win away from a Missouri Valley Conference regular season title.
"This is such a difficult trip to spend all day yesterday on a bus and come out and compete in such a physical battle today," head coach Lindsey Horner said. "This was not a pretty game, but the grit to find the second goal and hang on for the win says a lot about our players. Our bench was amazing for us today, stepping in and making an impact in such an intense game."
Drake (11-3-3, 7-1-1 in MVC play) took advantage of a hand ball committed in the box by Murray State during the 29th minute. Emma Nagel lined up for her fifth penalty kick attempt of the season and buried it into the back of the net as the Racer keeper Jenna Villacres hesitated for just a moment. The Bulldogs took the 1-0 edge into halftime.
Murray State (5-8-4, 3-2-4) came out aggressive in the second half to tie the match. Mary Hardy connected with Sydney Etter in the 62nd minute for the equalizer off her right foot into the back of the net.
Only two minutes later, the Bulldogs had an answer. Angela Gutierrez checked back into the game and sent a shot on goal that was knocked away by Villacres. Kendall Starcevich was in the right place at the right time and kicked the ball into the left side of the net for a 2-1 lead.
The visitors from Des Moines got an advantage in the 71st minute after Morgan Bodker of Murray State collided with Starcevich on the attack leading to a red card being assessed to Bodker. The Racers competed one player down for the remainder of the game. Murray State's last shot attempt occurred in the 82nd minute and it was off target.
"I have to give a shout out to our volleyball team for bringing the energy in the stands in the second half," Horner said. "We are thrilled to be competing for a championship on Sunday."
The Bulldogs are guaranteed at least a 2-seed in the upcoming MVC Tournament and currently lead Missouri State in the conference standings. Drake women's soccer will battle Belmont in Nashville on Sunday, Oct. 22 at noon with an MVC regular season crown on the line.
NOTES
- Drake women's soccer is seeking its seventh MVC regular season championship and its first since 2017.
- Seven conference wins are the most in program history.
- Emma Nagel is 5-for-5 on penalty kick attempts this season.
- Nagel's eighth goal of the season moved her back into a tie for most goals scored by an MVC player this year.
- Nagel owns a team-best 19 points this season.
- The Bulldogs extended their unbeaten streak to six games.
- Drake improved to 3-1-1 on the road this season.
- Kendall Starcevich scored her first collegiate goal.
- Angela Gutierrez provided her team-best fifth assist.
- The all-time series against Murray State is tied, 2-2.
