Home Sweet Home
Women's soccer remains unbeaten at home with defeat of IPFW
Sometimes, all a team needs is home field advantage to turn things around. This was the case for the Central Michigan soccer team Friday, as it stayed undefeated at home by beating IPFW 2-0.
“It was a great way to get our team’s confidence up with another win,” sophomore goalkeeper Maddy Bunnell said. “With a pair of home openers in the MAC this weekend, it is a great way to wrap up our preconference schedule.”
CMU’s struggles away from home have been well documented. In six road matches they were outshot 35 to 124. With such a low amount of shots per match, the Chippewas have averaged .833 goals per match.
Bunnell has been forced to make 39 saves and has allowed 13 goals thus far.
But the Chippewas have looked like a different team while playing in Mount Pleasant.
In two home matches, the women have outshot their opponents 29 to 20 and have a goal differential of +3. Bunnell has been forced to make only two saves. Opposing shooters have managed four shots on the Chippewa home goal.
“(Being at home) is really big for them as student athletes,” Head coach Peter McGahey said. “They are able to be here to catch up on their studies, train, and have a natural schedule. That comfort zone helps put them in that state of mind to help with their competiveness.”
Bunnell said she is most comfortable between the two pipes she practices in the middle of each week.
“It builds my comfort zone,” she said. “We know our field. We know the shape and the width, which is tailored just for us. It’s definitely a comfort piece.”
With the conference schedule looming, CMU’s momentum should serve as an advantage. The Chippewas will start with two home conference games against Northern Illinois and Western Michigan this weekend.
NIU and WMU are a combined 2-5 on the road thus far, which could give CMU the chance to start undefeated in the MAC.
“The best part about the MAC (schedule) is that we are right back at home in front of the home fans,” McGahey said. “We have a good contingent of drum beating fans, which is absolutely outstanding. We love to see those folks coming to watch our games.”
