Central Michigan University Athletics
Central Michigan University
Illinois State
Soccer Opens Season With 1-1 Tie at Illinois State
8/27/2005 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
Aug. 26, 2005
NORMAL, Ill. - The Central Michigan University women's soccer team scored first, but had to settle for a 1-1 tie thanks to an Illinois State penalty kick midway through the second half. Neither team could strike again after the Redbirds' Meghan Boler converted a penalty kick in the 67th minute, resulting in the season opener ending in a draw.
"There were times today where I thought we really showed our potential as a team," said head coach Tony DiTucci. "We saw some good things from some of our young players. The penalty kick was a little bit frustrating, but we still had our chances to win later in the game. There's no sense in being disappointed with this game. We'll come back out on Sunday and learn from this game and use it to help us get better."
After a scoreless first half, the Chippewas netted the game's first goal in the 49th minute when freshman Erica Rohren finished off an offensive attack with a beautiful header off a pinpoint cross from Alison Heydorn.
"That was really a phenomenal goal all the way around for us," DiTucci said. "It came off an excellently served ball from Heydorn and Rohren executed with a fantastic finish. For her to get that goal, playing close to home in front of family and friends in her first college game, was pretty special."
Rohren was one of six freshmen to play in their first game Friday. Kylie Armstrong and Sarah Burns joined her in the starting lineup, while Katy Boggan, Andrea Johnson and Carly Tydings all got into the game as substitutions.
"Overall, I thought the freshmen played pretty well," DiTucci said. "The longer they were in the game, the more comfortable they got."
The Chippewas return to the field on Sunday at 1 p.m. when they host Valparaiso at the CMU Soccer Complex.
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