Golden Eagles hang tough, fall at Middle Tennessee

Golden Eagles hang tough, fall at Middle Tennessee

Toler collects eight saves

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Tennessee Tech held its own against a strong Middle Tennessee State squad Friday evening, but fell 2-0 to the Blue Raiders in what was Tech's seventh-consecutive game away from home.

Greta Jochmann scored MTSU's first goal of the game unassisted in the 18th minute when she knocked in her own rebound, but the Golden Eagles held the Blue Raiders scoreless for more than 45 minutes, hanging within striking distance.

Middle did score again in the 64th minute, however, when Laura Lamberth headed in a Jessika Oseguera corner kick to make the final 2-0 margin.

Middle Tennessee took 10 shots on goal on the evening, eight of which were turned away by Tennessee Tech goalkeeper Becca Toler.

The Golden Eagle offense managed three shots on goal which came from Sarah Gawthrop, Emily Homan and Ellie Iaciofano. In total shots, the Blue Raiders held a 23-5 advantage.

Nineteen Tech players saw action with five playing all 90 minutes — Toler, Leigh Heffner, Lindsey Reed, Taylor Hicks and Julie Thompson. Jacquie Watkins played 84 minutes.

Tech fell to 2-6-1 on the season while MTSU, which has played and lost to three Southeastern Conference schools, improved to 3-5.

The Golden Eagles return home to play their first match at Tech Soccer Field since Aug. 21 when they host Lipscomb on Sunday. Admission is free for the 3 p.m. match.