Story by Ian Wolfe
MTSU ends the soccer season with loss to FIU in the semi-final of the Conference-USA tournament.
The Blue Raiders finished the season with an improvement from last year, clinching a seed in the conference tournament for the first time since 2021.
There was more experience in the team this year, showing a noticeable difference from the season prior. Coach Aston Rhoden’s team showed much more patience and skill in possession.
With MTSU squeezing past Sam Houston in penalties, the Blue Raiders came into the semi-finals with some confidence.
FIU was the top seed in the conference, giving MTSU a clear challenge in the semi-final, hoping to pull an upset. MTSU had one shot on goal from Taijah Fraser and played two keepers in Demi Gronauer and Calais Butts. Ultimately, MTSU could not overcome the 2-0 loss to the conference regular season champions.
FIU had goals in the game from Noemi Paquin and Catherine Rapp. FIU Coach Jonathan Garber spends his fourth season and will spend this season coaching for the first time in a CUSA Final. FIU will face defending conference tournament champions Liberty on Sunday, November 10th at 2 P.M. Eastern.
MTSU will return 26 of their 30 players, bringing back a majority the team
including top scorer Manon Lebargy.
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