Central Michigan University Athletics
Soccer Tops Bowling Green, 2-1, in Double Overtime
10/5/2007 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio - The Central Michigan University women's soccer team picked up a critical victory this afternoon, slipping past Bowling Green, 2-1, in double overtime at Cochrane Field. It was the Chippewas' first Mid-American Conference victory this season, as they avoided an 0-3 start in league play.
CMU (5-5-0, 1-2-0 MAC) came out strong, belying the importance of the contest. It dented the scoreboard early, as Amanda Waugh converted a beautiful give-and-go with Stephanie Martin in the fourth minute to give CMU the 1-0 lead. Waugh maintained her composure in front of the net and put away her fifth goal of the season, while Martin picked up her sixth assist this season.
"We came out very focused and very fired up to play today," CMU head coach Tony DiTucci said. "We had great fan support here, and that also gave us a lift. We knew we needed a win today to try and stay in the race for the MAC title."
The rest of the first half was scoreless, as both teams fired eight shots in the first 45 minutes. CMU goalkeeper Kristen Hubright made all three of her saves in the first half, while BGSU keeper Christy Zabek had five saves in the frame.
The Falcons drew even in the 69th minute, when Meagan Moran scored her second of the season to knot the score at 1-1. Neither team could break the tie over the next 20 minutes, sending CMU to overtime for the first time this season.
After a scoreless first overtime period, CMU was given a golden opportunity to win the match early in the second overtime when it was awarded a free kick on BG's side of the field. The Chippewas played the ball in, and Martin collected a loose ball in the box, settled it and found space to blast a shot into the net to give CMU the dramatic victory. It was Martin's fifth goal of the season, matching Waugh for the team lead.
"We had a total team effort today," DiTucci said. "Every player gave their all on the field, and when they weren't in the match they were cheering on the sidelines and encouraging their teammates. This was a very important win for us, but we know that we need to come out on Sunday with another effort just like this to sustain our success."
Hubright made her first start of the season and earned the victory, playing the entire match and allowing just the one goal. She drew the start in place of Shay Mannino, who had started CMU's last five matches in net. BG goalkeeper Zabek made 10 saves but took the loss for the Falcons.
"Shay has played well for us, but one of the advantages we have as a team is strong depth at the goalkeeping position," DiTucci said. "Kristen had a phenomenal week of training, and she earned the right to start today. She played well in this match, and Shay, to her credit, was one of the most vocal players on our bench, cheering on the team."
CMU will remain in northeast Ohio for the rest of the weekend, as it plays at Toledo on Sunday. The Rockets are 2-0-1 in the MAC after a 1-1 tie with Eastern Michigan earlier today.
Sunday's match against Toledo will kick off at 1 p.m. at Scott Park.
