Central Michigan University Athletics
Central Michigan University
Bowling Green
Dramatic Win for CMU Soccer
10/9/2016 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
Cullen Maksimowski, CMUChippewas.com
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. -- Late-game heroics from sophomores Alexis Pelafas and Madison Costner powered the Central Michigan soccer team to a dramatic 2-1 overtime win over Bowling Green on Sunday in a Mid- American Conference match at the CMU Soccer-Lacrosse Stadium.
After the Chippewas fell behind, 1-0, when Bowling Green scored on a penalty kick in the 79th minute, Pelafas connected on a header in the 87th minute off an Eliza Van de Kerkhove assist, sending the game to overtime.
Costner scored the game-winner on a Pelafas assist with just 10 seconds remaining in the first OT period.
CMU improves to 12-1-1 overall and 4-1-1 in the league. Three of the Chippewas last four games have gone to extra time. They have won two and tied one of those overtime games. BGSU falls to 7-7, 2-4.
"I'm just really proud of the team today," CMU coach Peter McGahey said. "I thought the resilience was really good and the adaptably to sort of adjust our shape in the second half was really good as well and I was very proud of the performance."
For Costner, a sophomore from Dublin Ohio, it was her fourth goal of the season and her third in her past two games.
"It wasn't really a game that was going our way," Costner said. "I think that's what makes this team so special is that we're able to respond to adversity and if things aren't going our way we find a way to make it happen and that's what we did today."
The Chippewas were frustrated throughout most of the game as a result of missed chances and stellar play by Bowling Green freshman goalkeeper Kathleen Duwve, who made 11 saves.
"When you get as many chances as we did and they don't go in, sometimes you get frustrated," McGahey said. "I think our team did a good job today of saying `Hey, we're going to keep working' and found a way to push one across the line.
"After we let up the first goal, we stayed really resolved and had a good sense of urgency and composure to get that first (goal), and after that went in I thought there was a confidence through the group to say, `OK, we can get that next one."
The Chippewas outshot the Falcons, 23-12, and took eight corner kicks compared to the four by BGSU.
Pelafas' goal was her 13th of the season, which paces the MAC and ranks No. 2 nationally. She finished the game with a season-high nine shots (five on goal).
Senior midfielder Samantha Maher had five shots (two on goal). CMU goalkeeper Kristen Knutson made four saves, earning her 12th win of the season.
Maureen Kennedy scored Bowling Green's goal.
The Chippewas return to action on Friday, Oct.14, when they play to host MAC East-leading Kent State (10-1, 6-0) at 6 p.m. at the CMU Soccer-Lacrosse stadium. CMU plays Ohio (3-9-1, 1-5) at home Sunday, Oct.16, at 1 p.m.
"I think we're starting to build some momentum," McGahey said. "We started a three-game home stand, we wrapped up homecoming weekend with a good performance. These are small things that can build confidence as you continue into the season."
