Bretz Nets Her First as a Chippewa, Soccer Tallies Third Straight MAC Draw

Friday, October 9

Toledo, Ohio / Paul Hotmer Field

7 p.m.

Central Michigan University

2-7-4, 0-3-3

Toledo

5-4-4, 1-2-3

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

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Photo by: Matthew MacPhee '28 - @mattsvisuals_

Bretz Nets Her First as a Chippewa, Soccer Tallies Third Straight MAC Draw

10/9/2026 10:01:00 PM | Soccer

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Senior Olivia Bretz went top-shelf from distance to level the match; CMU finishes 1-1 with host Toledo

By: Harrison LaLone

TOLEDO, Ohio — Central Michigan Soccer remained undefeated in the month of October through a 1-1 draw at Toledo Friday night.

"As I said to the group [postgame], I think a month ago, we lose this game today," Head Coach James DeCosemo said. "So, another step forward."

The Chippewas collected their third straight draw in Mid-American Conference play. While still in search of the first win, the corner to turn may be on the horizon.

"The feeling at the end was disappointment that we didn't win rather than relief that we got the draw. That says where we're going."

CMU returns home for a pair next week as it hosts Akron Thursday (Oct. 15, 7 p.m. ET) and arch-rival Western Michigan next Sunday (Oct. 18, 1 p.m. ET).

Senior Olivia Bretz (Lexington, Ky. / Lexington Catholic) buried a top-shelf drive from over 20 yards out in the 42^nd minute, her first as a Chippewa.

"It was an amazing goal. The moment itself was huge because we weren't in a good place after [Toledo] scored. That goal really gave us the fight to see the game through."

Despite an evident one-on-one opportunity with the Rockets' keeper, Bretz opted for the shot she has grown accustomed to. The former defender-turned-forward was once CMU's first choice for free kicks anywhere on the pitch, leading to several attempts from distance in her career.

"To be fair, we told her we felt the goalkeeper wasn't great above her head. She got the opportunity and took it, but it was still an outrageous shot.

"That's why we've tried to put her in this position because of her ability to shoot from range."

Sophomore Kylee Weed (Jackson, Mich. / Northwest) tallied her second assist, sixth point of the season on Bretz's effort, the midfielder's first point on the road this season.

Senior keeper Jadia Kershaw (Lewis Center, Ohio / Olentangy Orange) marked five saves, all in key moments to recenter the Chippewas for a second-half rally.

"The big difference from this game to the others was she made a save that was perhaps not something we would normally ask of her. She stepped up again and which is what kept us in the game."

Juniors Ella Betzold (Essexville, Mich. / Garber) and Catherine Hoff (Macomb, Mich. / Utica) each finished with a pair of on-target attempts, accounting for three of CMU's four in the second half.

"The response from first half to second half was great. The message at halftime was that we have to fight better, we have to match the fight, physicality and direct style. The hope was that we could then use that fight to then find some quality."

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