Central Michigan University
Kent State
Chippewas Bow in MAC Tournament Semifinal
11/4/2016 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
Cullen Maksimowski, CMUChippewas.com
KENT, Ohio. — The Central Michigan soccer team saw its Mid-American Conference Tournament run come to an end Friday night as it fell to Kent State, 3-1, at Kent State's Dix Stadium.
The Chippewas, who were the tournament's No.3-seeded team, are 15-3-3. The No.2-seeded Golden Flashes are 14-2-2 and will play to Sunday's tournament title game against No. 8 Northern Illinois, which upset fourth-seeded Western Michigan, 3-2, in Friday's first semifinal.
"I thought we came out with a good energy and spirit in the first half and really played well," CMU soccer coach Peter McGahey said. "The complexion of the game obviously changed in the second half with the early goal and the penalty shot and you saw the momentum shift.
"I thought the team battled until the very end and I couldn't be more proud of the emotion, the grit and the fight this team showed tonight."
CMU came out of the gates strong, scoring just six minutes into the game on a goal from senior defender Taylor Potts.
Potts, who returned to the lineup after missing the last eight games with injury, took a corner kick entry from Eliza Van de Kerkhove and headed it past the cross bar for her third goal of the season. The Chippewas led, 1-0, at the break.
"I think having Taylor Potts back really gave the entire team an emotional lift," McGahey said. "She brings a lot of spirit and grit to the game. She's left a lot of legacies on this program and I think she left another legacy in this game."
Kent State offense responded with three goals in the second half. Karli Paracca scored in the 50th minute to tie the game, then Jenna Hellstrom scored on a penalty kick about 12 minutes later. Hayden Pascoe added an insurance goal in the 77th minute.
"They are a very good attacking team and I think their early goal really gave them an emotional lift," McGahey said. "The penalty kick changed the energy of the game and the third goal really came as a result of us pushing (to tie it). They are a good team and did real nice job adjusting and never letting up."
CMU outshot the Golden Flashes, 17-12, and held and 7-4 edge in shots on goal. The Golden Flashes held a 4-2 advantage in corner kicks.
Kristen Knuston made one save in goal for the Chippewas. Ashleah McDonald made six saves for Kent State.
With the Chippewas officially eliminated from the tournament they are no longer in contention for an automatic bid to the Women's College Cup.
An at-large bid is still a possibility depending on the RPI (ratings percentage index) results. The NCAA is scheduled to announce the tournament field on Monday.
