Middle Tennessee Women's Soccer Loses 2-1 to Liberty in CUSA Home Opener

MTSU head coach Aston Rhoden commented on the team's performance, stating, "We came out and played extremely well in the first half despite being a goal down. I think we had some opportunities that we didn't take, or else the game would have been different."

Middle Tennessee started strong, with two shots on target within the first five minutes from Megan Carroll and Ania Denham. The possession was relatively balanced, with the Blue Raiders having 54% of the ball in the first quarter. In the 22nd minute, Carroll struck at goal after a cross from Denham was deflected, bringing her to a career-high on shots for a single game, a feat she has accomplished three times this season.

However, Liberty took the lead two minutes later when Maddyson Kerley assisted Halle Engle, who scored her team-leading fifth goal of the season. At halftime, the Blue Raiders outshot the Flames 9-3 and aimed to carry that momentum into the second half.

Liberty came out strong after the break, forcing four saves from MTSU goalkeeper Demi Gronauer within the opening 10 minutes. The Flames extended their lead in the 58th minute with a header from Gaby Bazan off a free kick.

With 15 minutes left, Middle Tennessee earned a free kick, and after the ball rebounded off a defender, Denham scored her eighth goal of the season. This marks her sixth consecutive match contributing to the score, a first for a MTSU player since Hannah Tillett in 2018.

Despite closer chances, including a near goal by Hailey Phillips in the final moments, the Blue Raiders were unable to equalize. Gronauer made eight saves during the match, her highest since August 2024 when she recorded 10 saves.

Next, Middle Tennessee will host Sam Houston on Sunday, October 4, at 1 p.m., before traveling to face Missouri State on October 11 at 1 p.m.