On Friday, the Central Michigan women’s soccer team was unable to beat Western Michigan goalkeeper Michelle Watson as the Broncos defeated CMU 1-0 in overtime.

“I think we struggled a little bit getting going today,” Stafford said. “I thought Western Michigan had great energy and they really controlled parts of the game.”

Junior Anina Cicerone scored 4:31 into the second overtime, heading the ball into the goal off a free kick.

“I guess you would like to get beat on another play, but fair credit to Western Michigan,” Stafford said.

This time, the Chippewas inability to score proved costly.

“It’s one that I felt got away from us with all of the pressure and opportunities we had,” Stafford said.

Watson made four saves in her shutout performance, including a key diving save on junior Ashley Mejilla.

CMU junior goalkeeper Stefanie Turner made a season-high eight saves in the loss.

“She was fine,” Stafford said. “She didn’t really have to make a big save or anything, but I thought she played good.”

The Chippewas were outshot by the Broncos 14-13 — the first time it was outshot by a MAC opponent all season.

Both teams received a yellow card foul as emotions were elevated throughout the game.

Sophomore Kaely Schlosser had one for the Chippewas and senior Nikolette Rivera for the Broncos. On Sunday, Toledo defeated WMU in the MAC Championship
game, claiming the title.

Rachel Macleod scored at the 68:01 mark off a corner kick to give the Rockets the only offense they needed, winning 1-0.

UT’s defense held WMU to just one shot on goal in the win.

This turns out to be a favorable outcome for the Chippewas as their season relies on a possible bid to participate in the NCAA Tournament.

With the Bronco loss, CMU’s chances of a tournament bid slightly increases because Toledo earned the only automatic bid from the MAC.

A WMU win potentially meant the Rockets would receive an at-large bid. Now, the Broncos are most likely eliminated from receiving a bid because both Toledo
and CMU have posted better overall records.

Boasting a 15-3-3 record with quality non-conference wins against Wisconsin, Louisville and Pittsburgh, the Chippewas seek to become the only MAC team in conference history to receive a possible at-large bid.

The selections will be announced Monday afternoon.

The CMU women’s soccer team took on Toledo Friday and Ball State Sunday winning both games 1-0, continuing their unbeaten home record for the second year in a row. Staff Photographer Chuck Miller and Assistant Photo Editor Andrew Kuhn were there to capture these images.

SportsLine ep. 3 from CMLifeVideo on Vimeo.