Bowling Green State University Athletics
Bowling Green State University
CENTRAL MICHIGAN
Chippewas Down Falcons, 2-1, in Double-OT
October 05, 2007 | Women's Soccer
Oct. 5, 2007
CMU 2, BGSU 1 (2-OT) -- Final Stats
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio (BGSUFalcons.com) - Stephanie Martin scored just 1:43 into the second overtime period, giving Central Michigan University a 2-1 victory over the Bowling Green State University women's soccer team. The Mid-American Conference match was held Friday afternoon (Oct. 5) at BGSU's Cochrane Field.
With the win, the Chippewas improve to 5-5-0 on the season and 1-2-0 in MAC action, while the Falcons drop to 4-6-1 and 1-2-0, respectively.
Freshman Meagan Moran scored the Falcons' goal, a blast from 22 yards out with just over 21 minutes remaining in regulation.
"I am extremely disappointed in today's results, but take full resposibility for both the performance and the result," said BGSU head coach Andy Richards. "As the coach, I should have done a much better job of preparing the team for this tough MAC contest, and of clearly explaining the game plan.
"I take responsibility, and hope that I can do a better job on Sunday and for the rest of the season."
On a warm, humid day at Cochrane, the visitors got on the board early. Central Michigan took advantage of a BG turnover near midfield, leading to an odd-(wo)man rush. Valerie Prause quickly passed the ball to Martin, who did a masterful job of waiting for the defense to commit before sliding a through-ball to Amanda Waugh.
Waugh, all alone behind the Falcon defense, took several dribbles and neatly placed the ball into the lower right-hand corner of the net, leaving BG junior goalkeeper Christy Zabek no chance to make a play. Just 3:34 into the match, Central had an early lead.
The Chippewas nearly doubled that lead just two minutes later. Molly Gerst got behind the Falcon back-line, but BG quickly recovered as a lunging defender was able to block Gerst's shot, thwarting what appeared to be a golden opportunity for the visitors to take a two-goal lead.
The Chips kept putting pressure on the Falcons, firing five shots (four on goal) in the first six minutes of the match. Junior Corbie Yee gave the home team their first shot attempt at the six-minute mark, cutting the ball inside and firing a left-footed shot from about 20 yards out that sliced just wide right.
The visitors continued to have scoring chances aplenty, but the Falcons made it to halftime down by just a goal. Although shots were all even at 8-8 in the opening 45 minutes, CMU had six shots on goal and numerous other grade-A opportunities. Central also had a healthy advantage in the fouls department, committing 15 to the Falcons' four in the first half.
In the second half, the Falcons had several scoring chances of their own in the first 20-plus minutes. In the 62nd minute, a free kick by sophomore Colleen Kordan, taken from in front of the BGSU bench, sailed over everyone and bounced off the top of the crossbar and out of play.
Three minutes later, Moran played a pass to a charging Rachael Ross, and the senior's shot was hit with great force, but sailed high. Minutes later, Moran was nearly on the receiving end of a cross by soph Stacey Lucas, but the ball was just out of reach of the lunging freshman.
Finally, at the 68:56 mark, the Brown and Orange got on the board. The goal was swift and sudden. After a cross by Yee found the feet of junior Kristin McDonald, McDonald played the ball back to Moran, who was approximately 22 yards out. The freshman took a dribble or two to her right and fired an absolute blast, across her body. The laser shot found the upper left corner of the net, with CMU 'keeper Kristen Hubright powerless to stop it.
The Falcons had several chances in the late stages of regulation, but could not break the tie. With 3:30 left, senior Tiernay Tilford worked a give-and-go with Yee, and the play resulted in Tilford bringing the ball along the end line on the right side of the goal. The senior's crossing ball was knocked out of play by a CMU defender, dangerously close to the goalmouth.
The Brown and Orange had three corner kicks in the final five minutes of regulation, including one in the final 30 seconds, but the Central defense was able to turn aside each BG threat.
The first overtime saw just one shot attempt at each end of the field, with CMU's Waugh being afforded the best chance of the 10-minute period. She received a right-side cross and fired a one-timer, but the Central striker was unable to get all of the ball, and Zabek was able to corral the rolling shot.
In the second OT, however, Martin gave the visitors the victory just 103 seconds in. After a 50-50 call went against the Falcons for a foul in front of the CMU bench, the Chippewas played a long free kick into the penalty area. BGSU's clearing attempt found it's way to Martin, just outside the 18-yard box, and she settled the ball and fired it into the far (right) side of the net.
Overall, Central held a 19-13 advantage in shot attempts. Kristen Hubright made three saves for the visitors, while Zabek had a career-high 10 stops on the afternoon.
The game featured a total of 41 fouls and five yellow cards. CMU was whistled for 24 of those fouls, by far a season-high total for a Falcon opponent.
The Falcons had a season-high seven corner kicks to the Chippewas' two.
BGSU concludes a four-game homestand with Sunday's (Oct. 7) match vs. Eastern Michigan University. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. at Cochrane Field, with the Falcon men hosting IPFW at 4:00 p.m.
