Pelafas scores in double overtime to push soccer past Miami (Oh)
Central Michigan soccer team celebrates a double overtime win against Miami (Oh) on Friday, Sept. 30.
Another game, another game-winning goal for Alexis Pelafas.
This time it was Miami (Ohio) who fell victim to the sophomore's clutch scoring.
With four minutes left in the second overtime period, Pelafas received a pass from junior Savannah Beetcher in the right corner of the box with a defender draped over her right shoulder.
Pelafas boxed out the RedHawk defender, spun around and scored to give the Chippewas the 1-0 win. She is ranked second in the nation in goals with 11.
"(Coach) kept saying 'patience' on the sideline and I knew I had all my teammates beside me and the grit was there to finish it off," Pelafas said. "Savannah always looks to find me and I just kept running. I knew I had to score with only four minutes left and just turned and put it over the goalies head."
CMU improved to 10-1, 2-1 in the Mid-American Conference with the win, while Miami (Oh) dropped to 4-5-1, 1-1-1 in conference play.
Rain and windy conditions appeared to slow down both teams in regulation, but the Chippewas were the aggressors most of the match. After regulation had concluded, CMU had out-shot Miami (Ohio) 14-7.
After a few missed chances by CMU, the RedHawks had a few of their own in over time. CMU's defense however, never gave Miami (Oh) a clear shot and senior goaltender Kristen Knutson deflected the four shots that got through.
Knutson earned her fifth shutout performance of the season.
Head coach Peter McGahey said the defense and home crowd were key in pulling out the late win.
"As Miami created some chances I thought we really defended those with great determination," he said. "It was a hard night to play. The home crowd was tremendous and in over time games, sometimes having that extra support, I thought gave us energy."
What's next
CMU stays at home this weekend and hosts the Ball State Cardinals Sunday at 1 p.m. The Chippewas play five of their next six games at the CMU Soccer Complex.
