Central Michigan University Athletics
CMU Concludes Regular Season Against Eastern Michigan
10/27/2010 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
Eastern Michigan Live Stats | Kicks Against Breast Cancer | Soccer Insider
MOUNT PLEASANT — With the regular season coming to a close, Central Michigan and Eastern Michigan have clinched the third and fourth seeds, respectively, in the Mid-American Conference Soccer Tournament.
Before the postseason gets started at 1 p.m. on Sunday, the Chippewas (12-4-1 overall, 9-1-0 MAC) will host their in-state rival Eagles (9-6-4 overall, 6-1-3 MAC) on Thursday at 3 p.m. at the CMU Soccer Complex.
The Chippewas are guaranteed to host a first-round matchup with the third seed clinched and will take on either Western Michigan or Northern Illinois depending on Thursday's final regular season games. The Chippewas can still claim a share of the regular season MAC title with a win versus EMU and a Toledo loss at Ball State.
CMU continues to be led by sophomore forward Laura Twidle. The Mississauga, Ontario native has scored six goals during MAC play to lead all players in the conference. Her two assists on the season total 14 points for the sophomore, who is leading the Chippewas for the second straight season.
The Chippewa offense is currently ranked first during MAC play in shots (186), goals (21) and goals per game (2.10).
Shay Mannino continues to propel the Chippewa defense, ranking eighth in the NCAA with a .471 goals against average on the season. Her 0.44 goals against average in MAC play is good for second.
The CMU defense currently ranks seventh in the NCAA in goals against average (.523) and eighth in shutout percentage (.647).
The Maroon and Gold enter Thursday's match ranked second in the MAC in goals allowed (four) and goals against average (.40) while being tied for first in shutouts (seven).
The Eagles will travel to Mount Pleasant sitting third in the MAC West with 21 points on the year. EMU's only conference loss came to Toledo last Sunday, 1-0 on the road.
Eastern is led by senior goalkeeper Monique Budani, who enters Thursday's play with an 8-6-4 record on the year while making 139 saves and posting a 1.09 goals against average. The senior has recorded six solo shutouts this season. Budani leads the MAC during conference play in saves (65) and save percentage (.929).
EMU's offense leads all MAC teams during conference play with 59 points and 21 assists. Its 19 goals rank them second behind the Chippewas.
Senior forward Paige Sheridan leads all MAC players with 15 points during conference play and six goals. Her 1.50 points per game also rank first during conference play. Freshman forward Stephanie Clarke leads the conference with six assists during conference play and has tallied four goals on the season.
Thursday's match will also be a part of Central Michigan's efforts to help raise money and awareness for cancer research. Head Coach Tom Anagnost and the CMU soccer program have invited fans to come to the game wearing pink. In addition, Anagnost has pledged to donate one dollar for every Central Michigan sorority member that attends Thursday's game. Donation jars will also be at both entrances of the CMU Soccer Complex.
Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. on Thursday versus Eastern Michigan. Sunday's MAC Tournament Quarterfinal matchup will kickoff at 1 p.m. Live stats will be available for both contests via CMUChippewas.com.
Game Notes
Last Meeting — The Chippewas and Eagles played to a 1-1 tie in double overtime last season in Ypsilanti.
All-Time Against — CMU is just 2-9-2 all-time versus its rival from the east side of the state.
Mannino Named Lowe's Senior CLASS Award Finalist — Senior goalkeeper Shay Mannino is receiving national recognition during her final season. The Grosse Ile, Mich., native is one of 10 NCAA Division I women's soccer players to be named a finalist for the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award. The award is for a senior with notable achievements in four areas of excellence — classroom, character, community and competition. Fans are encouraged to begin voting immediately through Nov. 14 via seniorCLASSaward.com.
Conference Unbeaten Steak Comes to an End — Central Michigan's regular season conference match unbeaten streak came to an end nearly two years to the day in last Friday's 1-0 loss at Toledo. It was the first match the Maroon and Gold had lost in the regular season since losing at Ohio 1-0 on Oct. 24, 2008.
CMU Soccer Complex Streak at 21 — CMU has not lost at the friendly confines of the CMU Soccer Complex in 21 contests. The team's last loss came Toledo, 1-0 on Oct. 19, 2008.
Twidle Twice as Good — Sophomore forward Laura Twidle scored two goals in a match for the second time this season in Sunday's 2-0 win over Ball State. The sophomore scored two goals earlier this season in CMU's 3-1 win vs. Ohio.
