Central Michigan University Athletics
Central Michigan University
Eastern Michigan
Chippewas Enter MAC Tourney on Winning Note
10/27/2016 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
Box Score | MAC Tournament Bracket
Cullen Maksimowski, CMUChippewas.com
YPSILANTI, Mich. -- Marle Bringard scored her second goal of the season Thursday as the Central Michigan soccer team topped Mid-American Conference Rival Eastern Michigan, 1-0, in its regular season finale.
The Chippewas finish off their regular season with a 14-2-3 record overall and a 6-2-3 mark in the MAC.
CMU will play host to Buffalo in a MAC Tournament quarterfinal game at 1 p.m. Sunday at the CMU Soccer-Lacrosse Complex. It will be the first postseason game of any kind to take place in the stadium, which opened last season.
The Chippewas finished third in the overall MAC standings (second in the West Division) and are the third seed for the tournament. Buffalo (7-7-5, 4-4-3) is seeded sixth. The Chippewas and Bulls played to a 1-1 double-overtime tie last Sunday in Buffalo.
The CMU-Buffalo winner advances to the tournament semifinals on the campus of the highest-seeded team remaining in the tournament after Sunday's quarterfinal games.
Ball State is the regular-season overall champion and the top seed for the tournament. East-champion Kent State is the second seed. The Cardinals will play eighth-seeded Northern Illinois in Tuesday's first round, while Kent State plays seventh-seeded Eastern Michigan (6-9-4, 4-5-2).
"I think it's important take a moment of enjoyment and reflect on a job well done after a long seasons of up and downs," fourth-year CMU coach Peter McGahey said. "Our preparation will start (Friday). We're really excited to be the team to play the first playoff game in the history of our stadium and it's fitting that we get to do it on a weekend when we celebrate CMU traditions."
Bringard, a freshman midfielder, scored in the 79th minute on an assist from Jamie Rademacher to lift the Chippewas past the Eagles on Thursday.
"I think you saw a lot of the same things that have made this team successful all season," McGahey said. "I liked the grit and intensity we showed being able to win some balls and get those extra possessions."
Both of Bringard's goals this season have been game-winners, the first coming in a 2-1 victory at Western Michigan on Sept. 25.
"Marle has shown the humility to come in and earn every opportunity she's had this season," McGahey said. "She's learned how to play her own style while fitting the overall identity of this team."
Senior goalkeeper Kristen Knutson made two saves and recorded her eighth shutout of the season.
The Chippewas offense totaled 15 shots (eight on goal) compared to the 11 shots (two on goal) by the Eagles.
