ABILENE, TEXAS - Southwestern University Women's Soccer's incredible start of the season streak of five straight games unbeaten finally came to a halt after a neutral match loss to McMurry University on Thursday night, 2-1. The Pirates drop to 3-1-2 after the loss to a talented McMurry squad.
The Pirates took off to West Texas on Thursday morning to compete in two matches in Abilene over three days, hosted by Hardin-Simmons University. The Pirates key to success has been jumping on their opponents early, scoring eight goals combined in their past three first halves. However, McMurry jumped on Southwestern scoring in the second minute. The Pirates defense settled in as neither teams scored the rest of half despite 19 combined shots.
Southwestern was on the ropes to start the second half as McMurry drew a penalty kick. The War Hawk player stepped up and missed the shot wide, which changed the momentum as the Pirates started to manufacture chances. The Pirates depth was on full display in the blazing head as
Raeanne Martinez struck in the 77th minute off the bench. Martinez beat two defenders and fired a rocket from about 40 yards out with her left foot past the keeper for the equalizer.
However, McMurry countered five minutes later with their own incredible individual effort firing a shot past
EJ Searfoss in the top left corner from a tough angle. Southwestern had the chances to equalize at two with five shots in the final seven minutes, but couldn't break past.
GAME NOTES
- Six of the Pirates 11 goals this season have come from outside the 18-yard box.
- Martinez might have taken the cake for best goal of the season, which is saying a lot for the caliber of goals this season.
- The sophomore notched her first goal on her career.
- Southwestern found the opportunities with 24 shots and 11 on goal.
- Searfoss finished with eight saves, averaging 5.4 per game.
UP NEXT
Southwestern looks to bounce back on Saturday with a match against Hardin-Simmons at 12:30 p.m.
