WKU Soccer grabbed an early lead against Middle Tennessee but a defensive mistake in the second half handed the Blue Raiders the equalizer to force a 1-1 draw Thursday night. 

Freshman forward McKenna Egan put the Hilltoppers in front in the 24th minute after opening space in front of the goal and putting a strike over the goalkeeper. However, a miscue at the back in the 60th minute gave junior forward Emma Pettersen the ball in front of goal, leveling the game 1-1. 

“I think there’s a little bit of a late communication between our goalkeeper and defender, and then they picked up the loose ball and found somebody open in the box,” Head Coach Jason Neidell said.

The match quickly became a battle of contrasting styles. MTSU relied on its fast-paced, heavy-possession style, which moved the ball across the field to create openings. 

WKU responded with a physical game, using their bodies to knock the Blue Raiders off the ball and challenging every loose ball. Both teams had chances to take the lead, but the deadlock held for the final 30 minutes. 

“It was a hectic game. It was like two teams, two heavyweight fighters exchanging punches tonight. So I think for both teams to leave with a point is reasonable,” Coach Neidell said.

After conceding the equalizer, WKU tightened defensively. Senior goalkeeper Maddie Davis made two key saves in the final 30 minutes of the game in her four-save game.  

The draw puts WKU at 1-0-1 in conference play and puts them at fourth in the standings. 

The Hilltoppers will look for a win in their next matchup against Louisiana Tech, Oct. 2. Kick off set for 7 p.m. in Ruston, La.