Central Michigan University
Toledo
Costner's 2 Goals Lead Chippewas to Win at Toledo
10/6/2016 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
Zach Libby, CMUChippewas.com
TOLEDO, Ohio -- Madison Costner scored two goals and Kristen Knuston posted her third consecutive shutout Thursday as the Central Michigan soccer team topped Toledo, 3-0, in a Mid-American Conference game at the Rockets' Scott Park.
The Chippewas improved to 11-1-1 overall and 3-1-1 MAC. The Rockets are 6-6-1, 1-3-1. CMU moved ahead of Northern Illinois and into second place in the MAC West.
The win comes after two overtime matches last weekend, a tie with Ball State, the defending conference regular-season champion, and a win over Miami (Ohio). The Chippewas extended their unbeaten streak to four games.
"Overall I'm really proud of the team in terms of the emotional performance they put out tonight," CMU coach Peter McGahey said. "To bounce back from a big weekend last weekend and put out a really good team performance today, I'm really proud of the roster from top to bottom."
Costner's first goal came with just 2 seconds remaining in the first half, extending the Chippewas' lead to 2-0.
CMU broke through in the fifth minute when Alexis Palafas scored her 12th goal of the season on a header. The sophomore forward is now tied for second in the country in goals scored, three behind leader Ashley Hatch of BYU, who has 15.
Pelafas is two goals away from tying the Central Michigan record for goals scored in a season, held by Allison Campbell, who scored 14 during the 2001 season.
"Everybody is looking for an answer and for me, it's how she's being herself," McGahey said. "She's playing confident, she's doing a good job creating more opportunities for us. She's counting on her teammates, she's relying on her teammates and definitely doing her work offensively."
Costner scored again seven minutes into the second half, giving her three goals on the season. Eliza Van de Kerkhove and Jamie Rademacher picked up assists.
"I thought Madison did a really good job," McGahey said. "Thought she played with confidence, thought she played with poise. She earned both goals, which came in critical moments. Her first goal in the first half was really important because it changed the complexion of the game."
Toledo held a 9-8 advantage in shots, but six of the Chippewas' were on goal to four for the Rockets. CMU also held a 5-2 edge in corner kicks.
It was Knutson's seventh shutout of the season. She is the reigning MAC Defensive Player of the Week, the third time this season she has been so honored. She has gone 336 minutes, 52 seconds of consecutive game time without surrendering a goal.
"Hats off to the leadership," McGahey said. "Kristen really got the team organized and put in places where they needed to be. I thought it was an excellent night in terms of organization and discipline and taking care of everyone's responsibilities."
The Chippewas return home to the CMU Soccer-Lacrosse Stadium on Sunday (1 p.m.) for a MAC matchup with Bowling Green (7-6, 2-3), which fell to Eastern Michigan, 2-1, on Thursday. The Falcons have lost three of their last four starts.
