Central Michigan University Athletics
Chippewas Extend Home Shutout Streak with 3-0 Win
9/24/2010 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
Box Score | Anagnost Postgame
MOUNT PLEASANT — The Central Michigan women's soccer team dominated in every facet of the game Friday afternoon, defeating Akron 3-0 in the Mid-American Conference opener.
Sophomore Ashley Mejilla put the Chippewas (3-3-1, 1-0) up 1-0 in the 24th minute after junior Claire Horton sent a cross through the Akron goalkeeper's hands. Mejilla picked up the rebound and fired her shot in the back of the net for her first goal of the season and the CMU lead.
"Our kids came out hard, creating a lot of scoring opportunities," head coach Tom Anagnost said. "I felt very good with how the team played as a whole."
CMU's defense held strong through the first half, allowing only two shots, none of which met starting goalkeeper Shay Mannino. Mannino would earn the victory in the game, improving her record to 2-1 after playing the first 45 minutes of the match.
In the second half, the Chippewas built on their one goal lead when freshman forward Nicole Samuel scored her team leading third goal of the season in the 52nd minute. Valerie Prause and Mejilla each fired shots in the box that were saved by the Akron keeper, only to have Samuel score off another rebound for a 2-0 CMU lead.
The nail in the coffin came in the 81st minute. Senior Jenna Hill found Prause on the right side of the field, where Prause dribbled past the defender and fired a shot from 18 yards out over the goalkeeper's head for her second goal of the season and a 3-0 Chippewa lead.
Sophomore goalkeeper Stefanie Turner and the CMU defense allowed only one Akron shot in the second half, maintaining the shutout, CMU's 16th straight at the CMU Soccer Complex dating back to 2008.
"As a coach, when you shut a team out you're always happy and when you score three goals you're happy," Anagnost said. "It was a great team performance."
The Chippewas outshot the Zips (2-5, 0-1) 13-3 on the day, putting eight shots on goal. CMU also held the advantage in corner kicks in the game, 2-1.
CMU will be back in action on Sunday when it hosts the Ohio Bobcats at the CMU Soccer Complex at 2 p.m.
