Soccer earns first MAC victory of season in OT
Central Michigan University’s soccer team gained its first Mid-American Conference victory of 2014 on Saturday against Bowling Green.
Senior forward Jennifer “Bea” Gassman scored her first goal of the season in overtime during the 104th minute against the Falcons with a chip shot over the goalkeeper’s head.
It was a confidence-building 1-0 victory for the Chippewas who entered the game at 0-4 in MAC play.
“Tonight our urgency going forward was really good,” said head coach Peter McGahey. “They were proud of their efforts and they had a sense of accomplishment and a sense of relief.”
Sophomore goalkeeper Heather Laeufer got her second start of the year and recorded her first shutout in the process. She saved the four shots faced on the night.
The Chippewas move to 1-4 in the conference and 3-9-1 overall ahead of their match in Ypsilanti against in-state rival Eastern Michigan University.
“All games are big now,” McGahey said. “We need to stack performances together every game. They (Bowling Green) had great fight and commitment to get it accomplished tonight.”
The women dominated the shot department, firing 21 at the net and forcing Falcon’s goalkeeper Lauren Cadel to make 11 saves on the night.
CMU will be on the road to face the Eagles at 1 p.m. Sunday afternoon to finish off a streak of away matches.
