Two Late Goals Sink Blue Raiders, 2-1

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Defense, particularly in late-game situations, has been a Middle Tennessee strength during the team's recent four-game winning streak, but Birmingham Southern used two late goals to deal the Blue Raiders a 2-1 setback Sunday.

Middle Tennessee (4-3) dominated the game throughout but couldn't take advantage of its 23 shots, connecting for just one goal when high-scoring senior Debs Brereton broke a scoreless deadlock in the 61st minute when she delivered on an assist from freshman Kaley Forrest. The goal was the eighth of the season for the Sun Belt Conference's leading scorer and moved her into a tie for 10th on the single-season goals list.

Birmingham Southern (2-5-1) tied the game in the 79th minute when Ashley Welsh beat freshman keeper Jenny Manis on a breakaway down the center. Anne McIntyre, who provided the assist on the game-tying goal, delivered the game winner five minutes later on a fake to the keeper's right.

The loss was difficult to take for a Blue Raider team that out-shot Birmingham Southern 13-0 in the first half and 23-7 for the game, but the home squad earned the win by connecting on two of its seven opportunities.

Middle Tennessee returns to action when it plays host to Georgia State at the Blue Raider soccer field Friday.