The Murray State women’s soccer team is gearing up for another exciting season in 2023. Yes, this is my (Jimmie) Alumni Mater, and I am very passionate about this school and this team. I can not wait to cover the team and school that I love. Nevertheless, I will do my best to be fair in my coverage of the team; despite my pure fanaticism I have for them. 

My Racers are coming off a 12-5-3 record and a surprise deep run in the conference tournament to finish runner-up finish in the Missouri Valley Conference last year. MSU looks poised to make another deep run at the conference title under sixth-year Head Coach Matt Lodge. 

(Photo: David Eaton – Murray State Athletics)

Over the summer, Racer Head Coach Matt Lodge was rewarded with a contract extension through 2025 after leading the Racers to their first MVC championship game appearance in their inaugural season in the conference. With a talented returning core and an infusion of new talent, Murray State seems ready to make even more noise in the Valley this fall.

The Racers kicked off their preseason slate with a 1-1 draw against Chattanooga and concluded with a 2-0 loss to Southern Indiana. The tie against the Mocs showcased the potential of Murray State’s attack, with freshman Ava Roberson netting the Racers’ lone goal. Despite the loss to USI, the Racers’ defense held strong for much of the match before allowing a pair of late goals. 

(Photo: David Eaton – Murray State Athletics)

Roberson’s preseason tally provides a glimpse of the immediate impact Coach Lodge’s incoming recruiting class could provide. Another talented freshman, Sydney Etter put all three of her shots on frame against the Screaming Eagles, demonstrating her scoring ability. 

With stalwarts like defenders Audrey Henry and Morgan Bodker patrolling the back line, senior keeper Jenna Villacres protecting the net, and upperclassmen Sami Wilson and Grace Bodker spearheading the attack, Murray State has the right mix of experience and youth to vie for a conference championship. 

The Racers will open the regular season at home against Grambling on August 18th before heading to Atlanta to take on Georgia State later that weekend on August 20th. The Racers return home on August 24th to host Coach Lodge’s Alumni Mater The University of Kentucky. While the Wildcats did not win any SEC contest last season, they are undefeated vs their in-state peers. The two sides last met in 2021 as the Wildcats scored a Golden Goal in the 91st minute of extra time. Needless to say, this will be the match to be at again this year. The Racers begin MVC play on September 17th as they host Missouri State.

If Murray State can build on its strong debut season in the conference, this could be a special year for Coach Lodge’s burgeoning program. They should start strong with a 5-2 (at best) record before heading into conference play. This is where the Racers will need to be vigilant. With a long road trip to Chicago for two matches in the of conference play, this will be a long season for the Racers. However, I do think they will make the conference playoffs and will make another deep run. All in all, Racers fans have plenty to cheer for at Cutchin Field this fall.

Make sure to stick to Bluegrass Soccer Cast (@BGSoccerCast on all social media platforms) for full coverage of Jimmie’s Murray State Racers soccer team and everything soccer in our beautiful Commonwealth.