OT Win!

Friday, September 21

Mount Pleasant, Mich.

6:00 p.m. ET

Central Michigan University

3-6-0, 1-0-0MAC

Ohio

2-5-1, 0-1-0MAC

OT 3

OT 4

Ohio

Central Michigan

9/21/2018 10:00:00 PM | Soccer

Box Score Photo Gallery

Bringard's goal lifts CMU to victory in MAC opener

By: Andy Glezen

Andy Glezen, CMUChippewas.com

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. – Marle Bringard scored with just 18 seconds remaining in overtime on Friday, lifting the Central Michigan soccer team to a dramatic 1-0 victory over Ohio in the Chippewas' Mid-American Conference opener at the CMU Soccer Stadium.

The Chippewas, who have won two of their last three games, improved to 3-6. Ohio is 2-5-1.

"What a game to kick off the MAC, really exciting, really competitive and intense all the way until the end," CMU coach Peter McGahey said. "I could not be prouder of our team. I thought the energy, the grit, the fight tonight from our team, despite the conditions, was really fun to watch."

WHAT HAPPENED
The Chippewas created several chances in the first half despite going against the strong wind, outshooting the Bobcats 6-2, including three shots on goal.

CMU continued to press, registering eight corner opportunities in the second half alone but the Chippewas could not find the back of the net until Bringard scored, depositing the ball past the goalkeeper off a scramble in front of the net.

BRINGARD IS CLUTCH
Bringard's first goal of the season proved to be an important one, and it was the fourth game-winner of her career.

As a sophomore, the Midland native scored the game-winning goal against Detroit Mercy. As a freshman she scored the game-winners against both Western Michigan and Eastern Michigan.

Bringard had five points a season ago and nine points in 2016.

MOTHER NATURE
Winds ranging from 12-19 mph presented a challenge for both teams at the CMU Soccer Stadium, but McGahey and the Chippewas embraced it.

"I thought they responded really well," McGahey said. "You had a lot of different conditions and I thought we did a very good job of being composed and confident and really grinding out a win tonight."

STOUT DEFENSE
Defense has been the primary strength for the Chippewas this season. After allowing just two shots on goal Sunday in a 1-0 loss to Illinois-Chicago, Central Michigan did not surrender a single Ohio shot on goal.

"Now you're starting to stack that up," McGahey said. "That will be overlooked tonight because everyone will be excited about the goal and that we found a way to win, but to not give away a shot … you can't underestimate that."

NEXT
CMU plays host to hosting Kent State on Sunday (1 p.m.). The Golden Flashes (4-4-1) dropped their MAC opener at Eastern Michigan, 2-0, on Friday.