BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA — Murray St. made the most of its opportunities Thursday night, converting a penalty kick early and adding a second-half strike to secure a 2-0 victory over Indiana St. in front of a crowd at Bloomington. The Racers, riding a five-game winning streak, controlled the match despite the Sycamores' territorial advantage and corner-kick dominance.
Megan Wilson opened the scoring in the 9th minute from the penalty spot after Breece Bass drew a foul in the box. Wilson's composed finish into the upper center of the goal gave Murray St. an early advantage that would prove decisive. The penalty came after Riley Mathews was called for a foul, handing the visitors a crucial early lead they would not relinquish.
The first half remained tightly contested after Wilson's breakthrough. Indiana St. generated chances but couldn't find the back of the net, with goalkeeper Delaney Timmons making several saves to keep the Sycamores in the match. Murray St.'s defense, anchored by goalkeeper Griselda Revolorio, remained solid despite sustained pressure from the home side.
Indiana St. came out aggressive after halftime, earning multiple corner kicks and forcing Revolorio into action. Brooklyn Woods tested the Murray St. goalkeeper twice in the second half with shots from distance, but the Racers' backline held firm. The Sycamores' inability to convert their territorial advantage—they attempted nine shots compared to Murray St.'s ten—ultimately cost them.
Ava Roberson sealed the result in the 37th minute of the first half with a left-footed finish into the lower right corner, assisted by Kate Donoghue. The goal came after Murray St. had weathered Indiana St.'s pressure and found space on the counter. Roberson's clinical finish doubled the lead and effectively ended any realistic comeback hopes for the hosts.
The statistics told the story of a match where efficiency mattered more than volume. Murray St. converted two of ten shot attempts while Indiana St. managed just two shots on goal from nine attempts. The Sycamores dominated possession in terms of corner kicks, earning six to Murray St.'s two, but couldn't translate that into scoring chances. Revolorio made two saves to preserve the shutout.
Wilson and Roberson were the standout performers for Murray St., combining for both goals. Revolorio's composed goalkeeping under pressure kept Indiana St. at bay throughout, particularly during the second-half onslaught. For the Sycamores, Timmons made six saves in a losing effort, but the early penalty and Roberson's clinical finish proved too much to overcome.
The victory improves Murray St. to 10-4-4 on the season and extends their winning streak to five matches. Indiana St., now 8-5-6, suffered their first loss in three games after consecutive victories over Southern Illinois and Illinois St. The Racers' road success continues to bolster their NCAA Tournament resume as the season enters its final stretch.
Murray St. returns to action with upcoming conference matchups, while Indiana St. will look to bounce back quickly and regain momentum in their pursuit of postseason positioning.