Soccer defeats NIU 1-0, keeps MAC tournament hopes alive
Women's Soccer celebrates win on Oct. 19 at the Soccer Complex.
After junior Madison Pogarch scored her first goal of the season that ended up being the game winner, she had trouble voicing her satisfaction.
"It's kind of hard to put into words," Pogarch said. "It felt amazing to be surrounded by a team who supports me so much and to keep us alive and keep Sunday's game relevant."
Pogarch's goal came late in the second half with just under seven minutes left to play. Both teams remained scoreless throughout the entire match before the score.
CMU outshot the Huskies 10-7 with six of those being on goal. Junior goal keeper Zoie Reed picked up three saves on the evening.
CMU's 1-0 win broke a three-game losing streak. Northern Illinois, the No. 2 team in the Mid-American Conference West Division standings, now sit at 7-7-3 overall and 2-5-2 in the conference.
"I think it's big because it keeps the game on Sunday relevant," said head coach Peter McGahey. "The energy, the passion, the team played with a really good spirit."
The aforementioned spirit will have to last for two more games as NIU won't be the final must-win game for CMU.
Their final two conference games at home against Western Michigan and Eastern Michigan are also must-wins.
"We've performed really well at home in the past," Pogarch said. "I think being here, we really thrive off the crowd and each other, so putting our best foot forward going into Sunday is huge for us."
The Chippewas take on Western Michigan at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22 at the CMU Soccer Complex.
