Two goals within 25 seconds help Raiders seal eighth straight win

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Two goals in the span of 25 seconds carried Middle Tennessee soccer to a 2-1 victory over South Alabama on Sunday afternoon at the Dean A. Hayes Track & Soccer Stadium.

The Blue Raiders (13-3, 8-0 Sun Belt) trailed South Alabama (7-8-2, 2-4-1 SBC) for nearly 32 minutes until defender Allison Stallard scored an equalizer at the 72nd minute off a free kick attempt. Paige Goeglein was credited with the assist.

Just 25 seconds later, Murfreesboro's own Tori Hawins notched the golden goal from a Whitney Jorgenson deflected shot off the USA goalkeeper.

Sunday's win helped the Raiders stay atop the Sun Belt standings with 24 points as North Texas remains a close second with 22 points.The decisive victory also tied the school's longest win streak of eight set in 2006.

The Blue Raiders controlled offensive possession, pelting 23 shots with 11 on goal against South Alabama. The Jaguars had 10 opportunities in the match. The Raiders controlled the corner kick advantage, 5-2.

Freshman Kelsey Brouwer (8-2) managed her eighth victory, collecting four saves with just one goal against. South Alabama's Lauren Arnold (4-6-1) took the loss, allowing two goals with nine saves.

South Alabama took advantage of unusually windy conditions to score the first goal at the 40th minute. Clarissa Hernandez notched her fourth of the year from 40 yards out to put the Jags up 1-0. 

Middle Tennessee had a strong first half with 16 shots, but was unable to capitalize. In the first half, freshman Kate Loye had a team-best four shots. Goeglein connected with two shots on goal out of three attempts.

MT has a short week before visiting second place North Texas on Thursday, Oct. 18. The match is slated for 7pm in Denton, Texas.

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