CMU beats Wright State, 1-0, in regular season opener, sets attendance record

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The Central Michigan women’s soccer team got the first game of the 2010 season under their belt, defeating a very aggressive Wright State 1-0 Friday at the CMU Soccer Complex.

The win extends CMU’s home unbeaten streak to 16 games.

After a scoreless first half, junior forward Chelsi Abbott scored on a pass from freshman Kaely Schlosser in the 57th minute to give the Chippewas a lead.

“We just made eye contact and it was beautiful,” said Abbott.

That goal ended up being critical as it was the only one scored between both teams, despite CMU out shooting Wright State 17-5 and holding a 4-3 edge in corner kicks.

While she did not score, freshman forward Nicole Samuel had a big game offensively, posting a game-high eight shots, four of which were on goal.

“Nicole is very good with and without the ball,” said head coach Tom Anagnost.

The CMU defense held Wright State in check, limiting the Raiders to just five shots in the game. Senior Shay Mannino and sophomore Stefanie Turner split playing time once again, with Turner making the Chippewas’ only save of the game in the second half.

“We’ve been doing it all year,” Anagnost said. “They are battling it out and competing well in practice and they both deserve to play.”

Abbott said she’s glad to start off the season with a win because confidence is important, especially when teams are looking to defeat the defending Mid-American Conference champions.

“It’s good to start well because it’ll build confidence,” she said.

CMU played in front of a school-record crowd of 1,062 fans. Anagnost said his staff and team is thankful for the fan support.

“I think our kids really fed off the crowd and were very happy about it,” he said.

The Chippewas host IPFW at 2 p.m. Sunday at the CMU Soccer Complex.