Chippewas Shut Out Rival Western Michigan, 1-0

MOUNT PLEASANT - Freshman Josie Seebeck scored her first career goal, which ended up being the game-winner as the Chippewas shut out Western Michigan, 1-0, in Kalamazoo Friday afternoon.

Scoring opportunities were at a premium as the Chippewas (7-3-1, 3-0-0 MAC) took just one shot on goal and allowed just two to the Broncos (4-5-2, 0-1-2 MAC) as Central avenged its 1-0 MAC Tournament semifinal loss to Western to end the 2011 season.

Senior goalkeeper Stefanie Turner tended the net for the Chippewas’ sixth shutout of the season, five of which have come with Turner in goal. She moves into sole possession of third place on the all-time list with nine.

"I thought today as a whole we applied a lot of pressure," head coach Neil Stafford said. "We had good pressure with the ball and especially in the second half our pressure without the ball was good, too. We created a lot of opportunities for ourselves and were fortunate enough to capitalize on one of them. When we can do that, we become dangerous and we showed that in the second half today."

Junior defender Estee Outcalt took possession in the 62nd minute and pushed up the left side of the field to the corner before crossing into the box to Seebeck, who redirected it into the lower left corner of the goal from about ten yards out, giving the Chippewas a 1-0 lead. Outcalt earned the assist on the play.

The Chippewas had been on the brink of breaking through for a goal, with three close shots in the five minutes leading up to the score, including a shot from sophomore forward Laura Gosse that skirted just inches over the crossbar.

Western had a breakaway into the fringe of the box moments later, but strong defense from freshman defender Marissa Woodliff stymied the Bronco threat and preserved the one-goal lead and the shutout. Led by seniors Katie Slaughter and Bailey Brandon, the Chippewas limited the Broncos offensive possession for the remainder of the half.

Neither the Chippewas nor the Broncos scored the first half, or even attempted a shot on goal, but the Maroon and Gold did have several scoring chances that they couldn’t quite capitalize on.

Junior forward Jennifer Gassman barely missed a sliding redirection just yards away from the Western goalkeeper within the first ten minutes of the match.

In the 30th minute senior forward Laura Twidle took a ball off a corner in front of the keeper and put it just inches over the crossbar.

Junior midfielder Kaely Schlosser led the team with five shots, while Twidle took three and senior defender Brandon took two.

The Chippewas face another big test against an in-state foe on Sunday as they travel to Eastern Michigan for a 1 p.m. showdown with the Eagles.