Central Michigan University
Duquesne
Chippewas Claim Win In Season-Opener
8/19/2016 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
Andy Sneddon, CMUChippewas.com
PITTSBURGH - Alexis Pelafas scored two goals and Kristen Knutson posted the shutout in her first appearance in a Chippewa uniform Friday as the Central Michigan women's soccer team opened the season with a 2-0 non-conference victory over Duquesne at the Dukes' Rooney Field.
It marked the first time CMU has won season opener since 2012, and the first time in coach Peter McGahey's four years in charge of the program.
And it came against a Duquesne team that last year won the Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament to gain a berth in the College Cup.
"To say it feels good is selling the feeling short," McGahey said. "I'm really proud of the team as far as the effort, and as far as the collective spirit that they played with. I thought it was really good.
"We played really sharp. Tonight's result was a tribute to the team and a reward for them both for the work they've put in and the process they've embraced. It puts in good foundation for the season going forward."
Pelafas scored in the 42nd minute off an assist from freshman Marle Bringard. Pelafas then hit the back of the net again in the 78th minute with an assist from Madison Pogarch.
Pelafas, a sophomore who last year made the Mid-American Conference All-Freshman Team, registered nine shots, including five on goal. Both totals were career highs. It was the first two-goal game of her collegiate career. She scored both goals in CMU's 2-0 exhibition win at Detroit on Sunday.
"Lexi, she's not going to stay a surprise for very long," McGahey said. "She had a good night. She built on what she did against Detroit. Hats off to her. Two goals is great stuff.
"The piece that I think is most important, the thing that I take away from tonight, is that two different players with two different lines had the assists. It took a team effort. How we played tonight on both sides of the ball, I think we really we put some critical identification pieces in to build on for the rest of the season."
The Chippewas outshot the Dukes, 14-12, and held an 8-4 edge in shots on goal. The corner kicks were an even 4-4.
Knutson, a senior, made four saves.
"Hats off to Kristen," McGahey said. "When a goalkeeper gets her first win it's always something to celebrate. I'm really proud of the effort she's put in and she earned it. I couldn't be happier for her."
The Chippewas play at Robert Morris on Sunday at 1 p.m. The Colonials dropped their season opener, 1-0, to Youngstown State on Friday.
