MURFREESBORO, Tenn. | Despite a strong defensive showing, the Alabama A&M Bulldogs dropped a tough 2-0 decision to the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders on Thursday night.

Middle Tennessee State forcefully peppered the goal, logging 15 shots on the night, 7 of them on target, but a strong defensive backline and key saves from freshman goalkeeper Madelyn Cornwell only allowed the Blue Raiders to get two to the back of the net.

Cornwell earned her first save of the night just before third minute of the contest when Emma Petterson sent the ball to the bottom center of the net. MTSU's Taijah Fraser also logged a shot on goal, but Cornwell nabbed it before it converted into a goal. Less than 15 minutes later, however, Fraser sent another shot towards the net, this time hitting the top right of the crossbar. The ball bounced off the bar to the ground and into the net, breaking the deadlock in the 42nd minute.  

After Halftime, Alabama A&M's Moriah Watkins was the first Bulldog to tally a shot, sending the ball to the bottom center of the net, despite it being saved by Demi Gronauer in the 64th minute. An AAMU foul awarded the Blue Raiders a free kick, which they converted to a goal off a header from Scottie Newton in the 66th minute. Anita Frederick-Sigaran saw an opportunity at the net in the 81st minute but was unable to score, allowing MTSU to claim the contest. 

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE 

• AAMU recorded three shots, two of them on target (Moriah Watkins, Ryan McLemore, Anita Frederick-Sigaran)  
• Freshman keeper Madelyn Cornwell saved five goals in her collegiate debut 
• The Blue Raiders outshot the Bulldogs 15 to three, with seven of those shots on target. 
• Taijah Fraser (41:47) and Scottie Newton (65:44) scored for MTSU 
• Hornyak saved seven balls compared to Durango's four.  
• AAMU was assessed nine fouls compared to MTSU's five, while MTSU took four corner kicks compared to AAMU's one.  
• The Blue Raiders found themselves offsides four times in the 90-minute match 

UP NEXT
The Bulldogs return to Rocket City to welcome the Howard University Bison to The Hill for the Welcome Back Whiteout home opener. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. at the Bulldog Soccer Field. Admission is free and fans are encouraged to wear white.

For complete coverage of Alabama A&M Athletics, check out the official homepage at www.aamusports.com. Remember to follow us on social media: Instagram (@aamuathletics), Facebook (aamubulldogathletics), Twitter (@_aamuathletics) and TikTok (aamuathletics).