Central Michigan University Athletics
Chippewas Host 2 MAC Unbeatens
9/29/2016 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
Cullen Maksimowski, CMUChippewas.com
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. — The Central Michigan soccer team had to do something for the first time in 2016 last weekend: Respond to a loss.
After winning eight-straight non-conference games to open the season, the Chippewas (9-1 overall, 1-1 Mid-American Conference) fell to Northern Illinois, 4-0, in their league opener last Friday.
On Sunday, CMU beat Western Michigan, 2-1, in an emotional bounce-back win in Kalamazoo.
"As a coach I would always rather have us respond to winning," said CMU coach Peter McGahey. "Sometimes the reality is that losses happen and I think you just have to put it in context.
"It was a reminder that we still have to go to work and put in a good preparation and to the credit of the team, we bounced back really well (against WMU)."
The Chippewas will aim to continue that trend this weekend as they host MAC opponents Miami (Ohio) (4-4-1, 1-0-1) on Friday (6 p.m.) and Ball State (7-2-1, 2-0) on Sunday (1 p.m.) at the CMU Soccer/Lacrosse Stadium.
Central Michigan has played seven of its 10 games on the road this season.
"You're looking for the team to be excited and energized to be able to play at home on such a big weekend," McGahey said. "You always want to make sure you are building, performing, and securing your home field. The way we play (at home) matters a lot."
CMU leads the MAC in points (59), goals (19), assists (21) and is second in goals against average (0.90). The RedHawks are third in goals allowed (9) and Ball State is third in goals scored (17).
"The two opponents we face this weekend are very good," McGahey said. "You don't have to look very far to understand that they are perennial powers in our conference so I think it's going to be a really good soccer weekend."
Sophomore forward Alexis Pelafas leads the league and is tied for No. 2 nationally in goals scored this season with 10.
Freshman midfielder Marle Bringard, who scored her first career goal against Western on Sunday, is tied for third in the MAC in assists (3) with teammates Madison Pogarch, Jamie Rademacher and McKay Matheson.
Senior goalkeeper Kristen Knutson ranks third in goals against average at 0.84
After this weekend's homestand, the Chippewas hit the road to take on Toledo (6-4-0, 1-1-0) on Thursday, Oct. 6 at 4 p.m. They play home against Bowling Green on Sunday, Oct. 9. Both are MAC matches.
