Blue Raiders Win Opener, 1-0

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Senior Emily Carter volleyed in a cross from freshman Rachel Holmes in the 32nd minute and Middle Tennessee tied a school-record with 44 shots in defeating Belmont, 1-0, in the season-opener for the Blue Raiders Sunday afternoon.

Middle Tennessee played on its offensive end of the field for essentially the entire 90 minutes, limiting the visiting Bruins to just one shot in the match. The Blue Raiders tied the school-record set last season with 44 shots in the match, but Belmont keeper Ali Young kept the match close with 20 saves.

On the goal, Holmes took control of the ball just past midfield, fed Laura Miguez and got the ball back down the sideline. The Conyers, Ga., native then hit a cross into the box and Carter half-volleyed it into the back of the net for the first goal of the season for the Blue Raiders and the 18th of Carter's career.

But Middle Tennessee could not find the back of the net again despite dominating play for the entire match, including 10 corners in each half to none in the match for the Bruins. The Blue Raiders took 20 shots in the opening half and 24 in the final 45 minutes, while Belmont's only shot came in the first half.

Miguez had nine shots in the contest, including four on goal, while Carter and freshman Rebecca Rodriguez each tallied three shots on goal.

Blue Raider head coach Aston Rhoden was pleased with the outcome but said there are things to be worked on this week in practice.

"One of the good things is that we won," Rhoden said. "It was good to start at home and win the first game. I am pleased with the result but not with the missed opportunities.

"We are generating scoring chances, just not converting. We had a lot of chances with corner kicks and shots on goals and did not put them away."

The Blue Raiders will host the Middle Tennessee Classic next weekend at Blue Raider Field, as Louisiana-Monroe, Western Carolina and Alabama A&M come to town for the four-team event. Alabama A&M and Western Carolina square off at 2 p.m. Friday, with Middle Tennessee and Louisiana-Monroe to follow. Sunday's action begins at 1 p.m. with Alabama A&M and Louisiana-Monroe and the Blue Raiders taking on Western Carolina.

Follow the Blue Raiders on Twitter @MTAthletics for continued updates.