The Trojans fall to the BlueRaiders during season opener

After a long preseason full of brand-new changes coming to Troy soccer, head coach Jake Wyman and his team lost 2-0 to the Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders last Thursday at Dean A. Hayes Track & Soccer Stadium.

Both teams came out strong, but the Trojans threw the first punch, attacking up field quickly and receiving three corner kicks in the first 16 minutes of the game. Five minutes later, the Blue Raiders would counter and force Taylor Richards to make her first save of the season.

The Trojans would retaliate with a shot from Isabella Hartofelis, but the Blue Raiders goalkeeper would collect it to end the first half. “We had a few decent chances in the first half, including the goal that got called back,” Wyman said. “I think if we got on the front foot, it would've changed the momentum of the match.”

Going into the game after halftime, Middle Tennessee would come out heavy, forcing another three saves from Richards, and they would continue that momentum for the entirety of the second half. Unfortunately, MTSU’s constant attack would force Troy to commit a foul, and Ania Denham would whip in a goal in the 60th minute from a free kick.

As MTSU’s momentum continued to build, another foul would be committed inside the box and allow Hannah Murphy to put in the final goal of the match, making it 2-0.

The Trojans had a total of four shots on goal throughout the game, with only one on target. In comparison, MTSU put up 16 shots, with seven shots on goal.

"The girls fought to the end,” Wyman said. “I'm proud of their efforts.

“MTSU took advantage of two dead ball situations, and that was the difference. said Jake Wyman. “We had a few decent chances in the first half, including a goal that got called back. I think if we got on the front foot, it would've changed the momentum of the match. We'll learn from this and go again."

Although the result wasn’t in Troy’s favor, there were many upsides to this game, including five players who saw game action for the first time in their career. This included Aiden Bailey, Isla Boyle, Braelyn Carey, Hannah Kent and Irene Torres.

Braelynn Carey also made her collegiate debut in the starting lineup for this game.

The Trojans will look to make some changes before they take the road to take on the Lions of Southeastern Louisiana University on Thursday. The Trojans will then play host to Stetson on Sunday for their home opener.