Soccer playing for MAC Tournament life against Ohio


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The Chippewas celebrate after Laura Gosse

As it embraces the pressure that it faces from the success of the other Mid-American Conference teams, the Central Michigan University soccer team plays its last home game of the season Friday.

The Chippewas are just four points out of the final conference tournament spot and will have a chance to keep pace in the postseason race against Ohio University at 3 p.m.

“Pressure is good,” said head coach Peter McGahey. “Pressure is fun. You would much rather play in a pressure match than a match that has no pressure at all. We are experienced enough to understand the urgency that will be required to get a good result. Even before the season starts, you always hope you have something to play for in your last three matches.”

The Bobcats come into Friday’s match fighting for a conference tournament spot as well.

OU is currently clinging to the final MAC East playoff spot with a 3-5-conference record.

Friday’s matchup will be important for both squads, which both need a win to keep their postseason dreams alive.

“You can only control your own destiny as long as you continue to get the results you need,” McGahey said. “We have nine points on the table. We have to take points in every match.”

Junior midfielder Kaelyn Korte has seven of the Chippewas 11 points during the conference schedule with three goals and one assist.

While her offensive production was key in CMU’s 3-0 win against Akron, Korte’s defense is what her teammates say sets her apart.

“That’s what created the momentum going forward into the attacking half,” said sophomore midfielder Eliza Van de Kerkhove. “Everyone defended as a team and the extra (possession) wins we needed to get the ball forward were there.”

Ohio has scored seven goals on MAC opponents in 2014 .

Bobcats sophomore forward Alexis Milesky has found the back of the net four times this season including three match winners. Milesky is extremely accurate with 70 percent of her shots getting on frame.

The Chippewas have lost every conference match in which they have allowed the first goal of the game.

“If there is one aspect of the game that is critical to our team this season, it is understanding how to get the first goal,” McGahey said.

The Chippewas final home game of the year, regardless of the outcome, is likely to create nostalgia from several upperclassmen on the team.

“It’s going to be emotional, but I won’t really think about it too much until the end,” said senior forward Jennifer Gassman. “I just want to leave it all out on the field for the team and the program.”

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