Central Michigan University Athletics
Central Michigan University
Kent State
Soccer Settles For 1-1 Tie Versus Kent State
9/30/2005 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
Sept. 30, 2005
MOUNT PLEASANT - Despite outshooting Kent State 23-5 and holding a decisive 12-4 edge in corner kicks, the Central Michigan University women's soccer team could only tie the Golden Flashes on the scoreboard, 1-1. CMU remained unbeaten in MAC play at 2-0-1 and is now 3-5-2 overall, but the Chippewas earned only one point for the tie and that, coupled with a 2-0 win by Western Michigan over Akron, dropped CMU into second place in the conference after three matches. Kent State is now 1-1-1 in MAC play, 4-5-2 overall.
"We played pretty well today, but the tie is disappointing," head coach Tony DiTucci said. "Our defense did a good job holding Kent's offense to just five shots. We generated several good chances, but could only score on a penalty kick. It's frustrating to outshoot a team the way we did and settle for a tie.
"It's important to get three points when you play better than your opponent. The quality of play doesn't matter, the results do. That was top team in the MAC, the team that won the regular-season title last year and was picked as the preseason favorite this year, and we outplayed them, but we only got one point and so did they."
Jacquie Lacek netted her first goal of the year, scoring on a penalty kick after a hard foul on CMU's Katy Boggan at the top of the box. Lacek's left-footed drive easily beat Kent State keeper Kristen Nelson, and the goal tied the match at 1-1 late in the first half. The Golden Flashes had grabbed the lead in the 14th minute on a goal by Catharine Marosszeky.
Junior Laura Roberts dribbles around KSU's Cassie Seten in Friday's 1-1 tie.  | |
CMU dominated the second half and the overtimes, outshooting Kent State 15-2 during those periods. Nelson made eight saves for the Golden Flashes. CMU goalkeeper Anne Decker made three saves in net for the Chippewas.
A total of 29 fouls were called, and Kent State picked up two yellow cards in the match. It was the most physical matches that CMU has played this season.
"I felt that the referees did a good job controlling the physical play," Ditucci said. "Each team had a target on the other. We were looking at them because they are the defending regular-season champs and were picked to win the MAC this year, and they were remembering that we went down to their place and beat them, 4-0, last year. It was a physical, hard-fought match."
CMU now will get ready to face Buffalo in its next match on Sunday, Oct. 2. The action begins at 1 p.m. at the CMU Soccer Complex.
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