Central Michigan University Athletics
Chippewas Rally, But Fall in OT at Nebraska
8/28/2015 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
Andy Sneddon, CMUChippewas.com
LINCOLN, Neb. - Say this about the Central Michigan women's soccer team: Don't count `em out.
Jaycie Johnson's goal with under 4 minutes remaining in the second overtime period lifted Nebraska past the Chippewas, 4-3, Friday in a non-conference match at the Cornhuskers' Barbara Hibner Soccer Stadium.
Johnson's goal ended what unfolded as a storybook comeback by the Chippewas (0-1-1), who trailed 3-0 before scoring three times in the final 14-plus minutes of regulation to tie it and send it to overtime.
"Sometimes you can look at result and you can sort of focus on the end and say this defines it," CMU coach Peter McGahey said. "That couldn't be further from the truth tonight.
"I couldn't be more proud of this group and how they responded and how they continue to respond. It tells you a lot about this team and a lot about the direction that we're headed."
Kaelyn Korte scored on a penalty kick with 14 minutes, 8 seconds remaining to put the Chippewas on the board, then Samantha Maher scored on an unassisted shot from 15 yards out just 46 seconds later to pull CMU within one, 3-2.
Korte "stepped up and took the spot kick really well, put it home convincingly," McGahey said. "Sam's goal was a great goal. She got on the ball midfield and tucked it away in the upper 90 with a very convincing finish that showed everybody on the field and in the stands that we had a lot of life left.
"I think that how she did it really energized the group. At that point, the belief in the team was real."
Lauren Sherry got the dramatic equalizer with just 17 seconds remaining. It was the first career goal for Sherry, a sophomore defender who was pressing up as the Chippewas scrambled in an attempt to tie the game as the clock ticked away.
"Lauren caught the goalkeeper off her line and it was a well-earned goal," McGahey said. "On the road, in front of 1,200 fans. You see those types of competitive efforts from teams that are building in the right way. One of the players said `It's coming. I sure wish it had happened tonight, but it's happening.'"
Johnson scored unassisted with 3:49 left to lift the Cornhuskers (2-0-0).
Central Michigan freshman goalkeeper Zoie Reed made seven saves in her first career appearance. Nebraska outshot the Chippewas, 18-10, and had four corner kicks to CMU's two.
"You could not have had a college debut that's less indicative of the impact that (Reed) has on the game and on our team," McGahey said. "She was good tonight. They earned four goals and I think Zoie put on a performance that we as a team are very proud of."
The Chippewas continue their road trip in the state of Nebraska on Sunday when they play at Creighton (2-1) at 2 p.m.
