CMU soccer ends season in a 2-0 devastating loss to Ball State
Central Michigan soccer closed its fall season in a 2-0 loss to Ball State on Thursday to end its season with a record of 2-8-6 overall and 1-7-3 in the Mid-American Conference.
The game began with a rocky start for CMU. The Cardinals secured the lead in the 7th minute with a striking shot soaring past goalkeeper Allison LaPoint's hands. CMU jumped back in the game with a powerful shot by forward Cece Mernatti that was blocked by Ball State’s keeper.
CMU held momentum with another shot on goal from forward Lauren Walker just missing the top right corner of the net. Overall, CMU had a total of 13 shots and six on goal. Ball State also had 13 shots with 8 on eight on goal.
“We just need to have the confidence and take our chances to win games,” head coach Jeremy Groves said. “We were so close in a lot of games this year.”
The Chippewas have seen a lot of games this year where they have not been able to put the ball in the back of the net. According to Groves, the team struggled with finishing after scoring opportunities arise.
“(This game) was similar to lots of games this year,” Groves said. “We do a lot of good things in the game without rewarding ourselves with goals and wins.”
Ball State officially shut out CMU in the opening minutes of the second half on a breakaway run to take a 2-0 lead.
“I’m not sure it’s (off season) a rebuild because we have the players,” Groves said. “We need to add a couple of players in key positions, but we have the players to be successful.”
The Chippewas are setting their sights on a winning upcoming spring season. To do so, the team must make major adjustments.
“In the spring it’s about improving players and making them better,” Groves said. “Taking the time to work on things that we struggled with this year is key.”
