Offense Arrives for Soccer in Athens, Chippewas Settle for Draw

Thursday, October 1

Athens, Ohio / Chessa Field

4 p.m.

Central Michigan University

2-7-2, 0-3-1

Ohio

3-6-1, 0-3-1

Team	1	2	Final F
Central Mich.	2	0	2
Ohio	1	1	2

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Photo by: Anders Saling

Offense Arrives for Soccer in Athens, Chippewas Settle for Draw

10/1/2026 6:56:00 PM | Soccer

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Betzold (32’), Bailey (45’) strike in the first half to break scoring drought in conference play

By: Harrison LaLone

ATHENS, Ohio — Central Michigan Soccer collected its first point in the Mid-American Conference standings Thursday evening in a 2-2 draw at Ohio.

"What we did today was shift the momentum of how the team is feeling," Head Coach James DeCosemo said. "Great to get the first point. Would have loved the win, maybe even deserved the win, but that's not how soccer works and they fought back really well in the second half."

The Chippewas marked their first two goals of the conference season off the feet of junior Ella Betzold (Essexville, Mich. / Garber) and senior Jordan Bailey (Huntington Beach, Calif. / Huntington Beach) in the 32^nd and 45^th minutes, respectively.

"We're coming away from this positive; that this is a steppingstone to put on another performance, move the ball the way we did, create the chances we create and hopefully come away with a win."

CMU Soccer returns to campus Sunday (1 p.m. ET) to host Miami (OH), welcome back 25-plus alumni that will be recognized prior to kickoff with the RedHawks.

Both Chippewa goals were set up with the same mindset: just get it ahead.

Defensive midfielders, sophomore Naomi Phillips (Markham, Ontario / Bill Crothers) and senior Melaina Troy (Rochester Hills, Mich. / Rochester) aided Betzold and Bailey, respectively, with gutsy, well-placed lobs from well behind the midline.

"With the speed and athleticism we have, that's the way we will score the majority of our goals. It was good to see us back doing the things we aim to do."

Betzold recovered a one-hopper outside the 18' and withstood contact to tuck her left-footed attempt in the low-right corner for her team-leading fourth goal of the season.

Bailey won a 20-yard foot race with a Bobcat defender for a one-on-one attempt with Ohio's Ayla Rammel at the 18', slipped her line drive underneath the Ohio keeper's attempt at a split save.

The senior marked her third goal of the season, in just her second match back from an injury that had her sidelined all of September.

"Having Jordan back not only, obviously, brings back her quality but it also alleviates the physical strain on [Betzold]."

The Chippewas never trailed as senior keeper Jadia Kershaw (Lewis Center, Ohio / Olentangy Orange) patrolled the posts for three saves: an acrobatic, crossbody swat to keep the match scoreless in the 29^th minute and two crucial stops to hang onto the 2-1 halftime lead in the 49^th and 57^th minutes.

"She continues to make the saves she should make, continues to be consistent for us. We've been giving up goals in moments that come from a collection of little errors—just lots of little things. Jadia's been great all year and continues to be at the same level."

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