Costner scores game-winner in dramatic overtime victory


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Freshman Defense Sarah Mitchell chases the ball into the goal on August 25 at the Soccer/Lacrosse complex.

In the second half of the Central Michigan soccer team's match against Loyola, neither team could manage to score a goal after entering the half tied at one. 

In overtime however, it took junior forward Madison Costner just five minutes.

Assisted by junior Lexi Pelafas and sophomore Taylor Zimmerman, Costner drilled in her fourth goal of the season, a team high. The Chippewas improve to 3-2-1 on the season following a 2-1 win over the Ramblers.

"(Costner) put in good work," said head coach Peter McGahey. "The reality is, I think she's capitalizing on the opportunities that are presented to her and that's all you can ever ask of players."

About 10 minutes in, junior Mary Carlson scored her second goal of the season giving CMU a 1-0 lead. A lead that would hold until the last minutes of the first half when Loyola scored their first and only goal.

Loyola is the third team to take Central Michigan to overtime this year. CMU is now 2-0-1 in overtime games on the season. 

"Really proud of the team today," McGahey said. "How the game came at them today, I thought they responded really well. Nothing is free at this level, and we certainly earned it tonight.

Following Friday night's difficult loss against a Marquette team that has received votes in the United Soccer Coaches poll and an exhilarating overtime win today, McGahey reflected that this weekend's invitational has given him a better idea about the kind of team he's coaching this year. 

 "I think it's really important that we recognize the character that our team has," McGahey said. "I also think today, we learned a little bit about our depths, which I think is pretty good too."

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