CMU fights for MAC tournament spot after 1-1 draw at Ohio
After taking reins by scoring the first goal of the game, Central Michigan soccer's fight ended in a 1-1 tie as it traveled to Athens, Ohio to take on the Bobcats of Ohio University on Thursday.
The Chippewa defense started out strong, shutting down multiple attempts from the Bobcat offense. Meanwhile, the Chippewa offense attacked Ohio's goal totaling six shots on goal in the first half. Midfielder Megan Scholten created the lead for the Chippewas off a corner kick only minutes after being subbed in.
"I think defensively we've improved for sure," head coach Jeremy Groves said. "We have been working hard on transitioning moments going forward to score. We still have lots of room to improve, but it's getting better."
As halftime concluded, CMU's defense was hit immediately. The Bobcats totaled 10 shots on goal with one scored in the last 34 seconds of the game. CMU goalkeeper, Allison LaPoint defended the net with a total of 15 shots, keeping the Chippewas up the majority of the game.
"Sick to give up a goal in the last 34 seconds," Groves said. "It came off a deflected shot which could've gone anywhere; luckily for Ohio, it landed right on their forward's head."
The Chippewas will return to Mount Pleasant this Sunday for their homecoming game against Akron at 1 p.m.
CMU remains 10th in the Mid-American Conference standings. With four games remaining in the regular season, the Chippewas still have a chance to earn a spot in the MAC tournament.
"We still have four games left to play and lots to play for," Groves said. "We have to keep pushing. Right now, it seems like everything is against us, mistakes and bad luck. We have to keep playing to break this cycle because I'm confident we can do this."
