By Davis Gregory, UT Martin Sports Information
MOREHEAD, Ky.- The University of Tennessee at Martin soccer team made a strong second half effort but fell short in its conference opener 2-0 at Morehead State.
Two shots off the woodwork would prove to be the difference on the afternoon for Morehead State (3-4-3, 2-0-0), who remains undefeated to start Ohio Valley Conference play.
UT Martin outshot the Eagles in the second half (5-3) with freshman Peyton Cook leading the charge as she fired three total attempts and two shots on goal during her 77 minutes of service. Makayla Robinson, Allie Buchmann and Brooke Kala each got a look at the net in the rematch of the 2022 OVC Soccer Championship quarterfinals.
Sophomore Poppy Bastock would go the full 90 minutes in goal, making one save while facing eight attempts from Morehead State.
The Skyhawks would hold the Eagles scoreless for the first 40 minutes of the contest until Sidney Palla broke through and trickled in a shot off the post to give Morehead State the lead before halftime.
The second half wouldn’t see scoring until the 82nd minute when Sarah Faloon used the far post to her advantage and scored the Eagles’ second goal of the afternoon.
“We got another good match from Catey and Shayla, while Poppy stopped a couple of scoring opportunities,” said UT Martin head coach Mike Varga. “We created some quality chances late that would have got us to 1-1 but just couldn’t beat their goalkeeper. We’re close but just not quite there yet, but I have a ton of confidence in this team. I have no doubt we will find our rhythm.”
UT Martin will return home for the first time in 23 days when it hosts Little Rock on Sunday, Sept. 24 at 1 p.m. on ESPN+.
Graphic courtesy of UT Martin Sports Information
