The Big East announced the postseason awards for women’s soccer on Tuesday, if for no other reason that to cross that off the list before the conference tournament starts on Wednesday, and we have three Marquette Golden Eagles to discuss as a result! Freshman goalkeeper Mia Hurd was named to the All-Big East Second Team, while junior forward Megan Murray and sophomore defender Clare Shea made it to the Third Team.
This is the first time that Marquette has had three all-conference honorees since 2015,
when Jacie Jermier and Morgan Proffitt were on the Big East First Team and Liz Bartels and Darian Powell were on the Second Team.
Let’s go to the Marquette press release on the topic, which is much more informative and has quotes from head coach Chris Allen.
First, for Mia Hurd:
Hurd earned a spot on the All-BIG EAST Second Team after anchoring Marquette’s defense throughout the season. The freshman posted a .857 save percentage with 66 saves and 11 goals allowed in 19 appearances. She finished with a 0.60 goals-against average and recorded seven shutouts and one combined shutout, helping guide the Golden Eagles to their first BIG EAST Tournament berth since 2017.
“It truly is unprecedented the season Mia has put together, despite being a freshman,” head coach Chris Allen said. “Her natural athleticism, work ethic & leadership has been on display from her early arrival on campus last January through her freshman season. Mia has the ability to make the highlight save but also manages the game very well. She is beloved by her teammates, and we look forward to having her as the foundation of our defense for many years to come.”
Hurd’s 0.60 goals against average is currently tied with Ashleigh Koenig for the third best in program history, and it’s the best by any Marquette keeper since Amanda Engel had a 0.77 in 2013. Her .857 save percentage is third best in program history as well, and that’s the best by any MU keeper since Engel had an .860 in 2012. I suspect that if Marquette had closed the season stronger than they did, Hurd would have had a case as both Freshman and Goalkeeper of the Year in the Big East.
And Megan Murray who, as the press release notes, could have landed higher if not for her time missed with her national team call up:
Murray led Marquette’s attack from the forward position despite missing four matches while representing the Philippines Women’s National Team. The junior finished tied for the team lead with four goals and added an assist for nine points. She led the Golden Eagles with 27 shots and 12 shots on goal while recording two game-winning goals.
“Megan’s impact cannot be overstated and it goes far beyond the goals and assists metric,” Allen said. “While she is certainly special with the ball at her feet and makes a lot happen for us on the attacking side, our team’s defensive growth this season stems from our forward’s press with Megan leading the way. She does so many little things that at times go unnoticed but is invaluable to us. Her ability to make the players around her better has accelerated the growth of our youthful attack and we could not be more excited for the future with her leading the way.”
And Clare Shea:
Shea provided a steady presence on the back line, starting all 19 matches and playing all 90 minutes in all but one contest. The sophomore defender also contributed offensively, tallying one goal and three assists for five points. She finished the season with a .444 shots-on-goal percentage.
“Clare’s growth as a defender mirrors the defensive growth of our team,” Allen said. “As a converted forward, she has worked tirelessly to learn the position, acquiring the skills necessary to be an elite center back that combines with her natural athleticism. Quite simply, she’s tough to beat. She leads the way with her unrelenting mentality, tenacity, and high expectations she has for herself and this team. Her ceiling (like our program’s) continues to rise and I’m excited to watch her continued impact and influence on our program’s growth.”
For the record: The match that Shea did not play 90 minutes in? Marquette’s 4-1 win over Truman State where the Golden Eagles were up 3-0 when she departed after 30 minutes and they hadn’t allowed a shot yet.
Marquette returns to action on Wednesday afternoon when they take on top seeded Xavier in the Big East tournament semifinals. First kick in Maryland is scheduled for 4pm Central, and ESPN+ will have the broadcast.
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