CMU Rolls to 2-0 Soccer Win

Sept. 19, 2014

Parker Scott, CMUchippewas.com

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. -- Central Michigan notched a season-high 20 shots and Maddy Bunnell posted her second career shutout Friday as the Chippewas defeated Indiana-Purdue-Fort Wayne, 2-0, in a non-league soccer match at the CMU Soccer Complex.

The win snapped a three-game losing streak as the Chippewas improved to 2-5-1 heading into their Mid-American Conference opener on Friday, Sept. 26, at home against Northern Illinois. CMU is 2-0 at home this season.

"I feel very good about where we're going momentum-wise in the MAC," coach Peter McGahey said. "To come out and close out the non- conference schedule with a good team win, lots of people played, created good chances, scored good goals, we leave very pleased today."

The Chippewas' 20 shots eclipsed their previous season-high (11) that came in a 0-0 tie with Detroit three weeks ago.

Bunnell, a sophomore, made two saves. "It feels like an accomplishment as a team," Bunnell said. "My defense definitely stepped up in areas where my distribution got shaky. I think (the win) was a great way to get our team's confidence up."

It was the same story, different chapter, for senior Laura Gosse who had another outstanding night in scoring both CMU goals.

"I feel good, it's always good to get a win going into the conference," said Gosse, who now has a career-high six goals on the season and 19 for her career, tying her for sixth with Amanda Waugh (2006-09) on the school's all-time list.

Gosse's first goal came at the 18-minute, 26-second mark on a cross from Eliza Van de Kerkhove. Gosse rifled it into the low left corner. It was Van de Kerkhove's first assist of the season.

"With my first goal, Eliza had a great assist," Gosse said.

Just over 10 minutes later, Gosse beat IPFW goalie Sam Pavlika to the left corner again. Jennifer Gassman picked up the assist, her second of the year.

"I think she's scoring goals and that builds her confidence," McGahey said of Gosse. "She's really found good form this season."

CMU dominated ball possession, leading to a 9-3 advantage in corner kicks. It was CMU's second-highest corner kick total of the season after the 13 they had against Detroit. IPFW (1-7) finished with seven shots.

Sophomore mid Christen Chiesa had a sharp night, taking charge on the corner kicks and creating in front of the net and feeding her teammates.

Northern Illinois, which provides the opposition for CMU's MAC opener next Friday, is 2-6 and has lost two straight.

The Chippewas will play host to Western Michigan on Sunday, Sept. 27. The Broncos (5-2) fell to Illinois State, 1-0, on Friday. Western Michigan is the defending MAC Tournament champion.