Women's Soccer Ties Middle Tennessee in Sunday Matchup

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Belmont University Women's Soccer finalized the ninety minutes in a 1-1 draw against the visiting Blue Raiders. 

The Bruins brought all the energy onto the pitch tonight. With revenge on their minds from their matchup last season the Bruins craved to score first. That is exactly what they did in the 15^th minute of the match. A penalty drawn near the midfield set Belmont up for success. Freshman defender Kennedy Wise took the free kick and placed it into the center of the box. Shae Doherty was able to get a head on it sending it out wide to a Blue Raider defender. In an attempt to clear the ball Middle Tennessee laid off a pass right to Anna Sweeney's feet. Sweeney then touched the ball to her left foot and sent a dagger into the opposite side of the net, 1-0. 

The Bruins led the first half in all aspects they stuck to their game plan while playing calmly and confidently. "Tonight, we were more organized defensively in the first half, cutting off passing seems, generating better transitions to create more chances for ourselves. We were very solid in attacking and winning 50/50 balls on both the first and second opportunities." Said Head Coach Heather Henson.  

Middle Tennessee came out with a different plan of attack in the second half. The Bruins struggled to adapt to the new game yet, still battled hard. In the 71^st minute of the match the Blue Raiders tied the match with a goal from Kristine Lykke. Belmont battled hard adding an additional four shots to their 13 total post Blue Raiders goal.  
Their confidence exuded on and off the field. There was not a time in tonight's match where the bench was silent. "They use their energy to keep the players on the field motivated. I love the energy on our bench, it is extremely important to who we are. When we say Be Belmont that's a big piece of it." Said Head Coach Heather Henson.  

The Bruins drew up an impressive sheet in tonight's match. Belmont recorded 13 shots, six shots on goal, and six corner kicks. Sarah Doyle played the full ninety adding five saves to her name. Shae Doherty earned her first career start with two shots. Sweeney and Mai Thy Nguyen led the Bruins in shots with 3 apiece.  

After the week, the Bruins lead the Missouri Valley Conference in assists per game (2), points per game (5), scoring offense (1.50), shots on goal per game (7), and total assists (4).  
 
Up Next: The Bruins remain home for their next matchup against IUPUI on Friday, September 2 at E.S. Rose Park. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. and will be streamed on ESPN+.  
 
Follow Belmont women's soccer on social media - @BelmontWSoccer on Twitter and @belmont.wsoccer on Instagram - for complete coverage of the Bruins. Stay up to date with all of Belmont's athletic programs via the official app of the Belmont Bruins, available both in the Apple App Store and on Google Play.