URGENT UPDATE: Middle Tennessee women’s soccer has clinched a spot in the Conference USA Tournament following a tense 1-0 victory over Kennesaw State on November 1, 2023, at Fifth Third Stadium in Kennesaw, Georgia. This victory marks a significant achievement for the Blue Raiders, who concluded their regular season with a solid record of 10-5-3 overall and 5-2-1 in Conference USA.
The decisive moment came in the 71st minute when senior forward Emma Pettersen netted her ninth goal of the season, breaking the deadlock with an assist from Taijah Fraser. The win not only showcased Pettersen’s skill but also demonstrated the team’s resilience under pressure.
Freshman goalkeeper Ella Sellers was pivotal in securing the shutout, making four saves throughout the match, including a crucial stop on a penalty kick in the 17th minute. The match was highly competitive, intensifying in the 60th minute when both teams faced a double red card, resulting in a player being sent off from each side. Despite the tension, Middle Tennessee maintained composure, controlling possession and outshooting Kennesaw State 16-6.
“I’m really proud of the team’s performance tonight. It was another tough game, but we showed great resilience to earn the win,” said Head Coach Aston Rhoden. “Now we’ll rest tomorrow and start preparing for the CUSA Tournament next weekend.”
With this victory, the Blue Raiders are set to compete as the fourth seed in the Conference USA Tournament, scheduled for November 2 in Lynchburg, Virginia. The team’s determination and ability to perform under pressure will be critical as they head into the postseason.
Follow Middle Tennessee Women’s Soccer for updates as they prepare for the tournament. Stay connected on social media at Facebook (BlueRaiderSoccer), X (MT_Soccer), and Instagram (mt_wsoccer).
