Losing streak over: CMU soccer beats NIU on Senior Day
The team celebrates a first-half goal against Ball State on Sunday, March 7 at the CMU Soccer/Lacrosse Complex.
Natalie Belsito scored a tough goal, garnered a well-placed assist, shot seven times and brought offensive force for CMU.
Belsito's offensive force helped get the job done as the Chippewas slid past Northern Illinois 3-0 victory Sunday at the CMU Soccer/Lacrosse Complex.
After a three-game losing streak CMU (5-4) rediscovered its momentum to end NIU’s (1-9) season at the bottom of the Mid-American Conference West Division.
CMU's season came to a close with back-to-back winning records for the first time since 2011-12 -- capping a streak of five seasons with a winning record.
TALE OF TWO HALVES
Unlike last week, CMU got off to hot start scoring two goals in the first 21 minutes of play. The Chippewa offense showed its aggression and showed why CMU ranks first in the MAC in shots with 11 attempts in the first half. NIU was able to fire two shots, one on goal.
After the Chippewas fired 10 more shots and scored their third goal, NIU changed its style to compete against CMU's. The Huskies began rushing and crowding the Chippewas kicks more often resulting in fewer offensive opportunities. While they picked up their play level, Central remained the dominant force getting the looks they wanted.
SCORING PLAYS
A third of the way into the first half, CMU freshman Jaelyn Dobrowolski struck the top right of the net to score her third goal of the season.
Five minutes after the opening goal the Chippewas struck again. Central’s leading scorer and senior Natalie Belsito threaded the needle through a group of Huskies for goal number four on the season. Belsito's shot came off a perfect pass by junior Katie Coleman.
With 37:65 left in the second half CMU senior Samantha Kaye-Toral was able to gather a pass from Belsito and chip the ball over the NIU goalkeeper for her third goal of the season to round out the scoring.
KEY STATS
CMU put up 21 shots and put 10 on goal.
CMU had two assists to go along with its three goals.
CMU had 9 corners compared to NIU’s zero.
NIU’s goalkeepers totaled 7 saves and three goals allowed.
SCORING SUMMARY
1st (14:28) CMU (1-0) – Jaelyn Dobrowolski (unassisted)
1st (21:04) CMU (2-0) – Natalie Belsito (Coleman)
2nd (52:35) CMU (3-0) – Samantha Kaye-Toral (Belsito)
