Box Score Nashville, Tenn.-- With just over a minute to play in regulation the Belmont Bruins claimed victory 1-0 over the Murray State Racers to secure a 3-0 start to conference play.
The Bruins dazzled in pink tonight in honor of their Breast Cancer Awareness matchat E.S. Rose Park. From the very beginning of the match the Bruins kept their passes clean and clear, maintaining the majority of possession in the first half.
After a scoreless first half the Bruins fought hard in the second having a total of 20 players enter the match tonight. Keeping things on the field refreshed, the Bruins were able to create many opportunities for themselves.
"Overall, going deep in our bench just shows that everyone is buying in and they understand their role and when it's their time to be on the field they're going to bring what they have. Tonight I asked them 'what are you going to give to your team'." With a solid Murray State team ,"It was going to take us giving something of ourselves to our teammates. I am so proud because you saw that on the field as well as on the bench."
Tonight's game winning goal was scored by Maci Pekmezien who was fed the ball by Rachel Vernon after getting through a multitude of defenders in the last minute of play. Pekmezien earned her first career start tonight and her third game winning goal of the season ranking her second in the OVC for game winning goals.
"She is an unsung hero that gets overlooked. I am so proud of the opportunities that she has created and that her team has helped her be a part of. She does the gritty work, she does great defensively, she has great cover, picks off passes and wins them, at the same time her transition into the attack is great as she creates opportunities to take on players to get those shots."
Back-to-back OVC Goalkeeper of the week Andrea Leitner had another stellar game recording her fourth shutout of the season, now leading the OVC in shutouts. Also making this three for three conference shutouts. Leitner could not have done this without her back line tonight. Loren House saved a goal on the line in the first half by blocking a shot, and rocketing it into the air to secure the net for the Bruins. In the second half Keely Cartrett also saved a goal on the line putting her body between the shot and the post to keep the Racers from scoring.
"That just shows the grittiness of defenders, there are defenders that deep in their gut they understand the ball is not crossing the line easily. Andrea did a great job as a goalkeeper but at times when she needs her field players behind her for help we showed that tonight.
With a sound back line and forwards eager to score the Bruins have the perfect mix as they continue into conference play.
"I thank everyone for coming out for Think Pink. I challenge all of our fans, alumni, and anyone who watched if you could help fight for the cure. Breast Cancer has affected so many of us. I ask can you be a part of Belmont Women's soccer and donate to help fight for the cure."
Please use the link below to donate to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
http://www.info-komen.org/goto/BUWSOC2021
Up Next:
The Bruins hit the road for the rescheduled Tennessee Tech match on Tuesday, October 12 at 6:00 p.m.
