Racers Outlast Thundering Herd in Physical Showdown

Sunday, August 31

Murray, Ky.

2 p.m.

Murray State

3-3-0, 0-0-0

Marshall

4-1-0, 0-0-0

Marshall

Murray St.

Photo by: David Eaton-Murray State Athletics

8/31/2025 5:50:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score Photo Gallery

By: Sam Rhodes

Murray, Ky. - Murray State battled to a hard-fought 3-2 victory over previously unbeaten Marshall on the home pitch. The match featured physical play from both sides, with each team receiving a red card.

"We've got a team that will put their body on the line," head coach Matt Lodge said. "They'll fight to the very last second if they have to, and they pick each other up when things get tough."

After conceding a 36th-minute goal to the Thundering Herd (4-1-0), Lia Manuel made an immediate impact in her first minutes of the season, scoring her first collegiate goal off a brilliant assist from Ava Roberson.

"Lia, that's the first time she's played this year," Lodge said. "That's what she's capable of. I think she played 20 minutes and she looked very good."

Manuel's goal marked the Racers' first first-half goal of the season.

The match entered the second half tied 1-1, but the deadlock was broken in the 59th minute when Sydney Etter netted her first goal of the season off an assist from Breece Bass.

After a game-tying goal from Marshall in the 79th minute, Bass answered just four minutes later with a goal of her own, sealing a tone-setting home win for the Racers (3-3-0).

The Racers' offensive outburst marked the first time they have scored three or more goals since Sept. 1, 2024, against UT Martin. Five Racers recorded multiple shots as the team reached 20 shots for the second time this season.

Following their momentum-shifting win, the Racers will face UT Martin on the road Thursday, Sept. 4, as they look to earn their first road victory of the season.

For more information on the Murray State women's soccer program, visit GoRacers.com or follow @RacersSoccer on X and Instagram.