CMU soccer scores first home goal in MAC draw
The Chippewas form a huddle on the field before the second half of the game against the University of Toledo at the CMU Soccer Complex, Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025. (CMLife | Alivia Cranick)
Junior midfielder Melaina Troy received a pass out wide from sophomore forward Ella Dykstra. She then crossed the ball into the middle to freshman forward Jimena Perez Ayala, who flicked up the ball and powered through the defender to score her first goal of her collegiate career.
This goal was only the second of the season for the CMU women’s soccer team. However, with both coming in the last two games, CMU head coach Jeremy Groves sees the growth.
“I think they’re only going to get better as times goes on,” Groves said. “I thought we’re a bit unlucky to not score more tonight.”
CMU ended up drawing 1-1 with Toledo at home. They played with 268 people in attendance.
In the 66th minute, Toledo’s attack caught many CMU fans and players off guard to end up scoring the equalizer.
“I think the goal, there was some confusion,” Groves said. “I think the referee told one of our girls they could tie a shoelace and then (Toledo) threw the ball in pretty much right as they subbed. It was kind of disappointing the way the goal happened, that we weren’t switched on in that moment.”
This was CMU’s third Mid-American Conference matchup this season, with nine more to go until the end of the regular season. Heading into the middle of conference play, Groves understands the challenge ahead.
“Every game in the MAC is kind of like tonight, every game is really close,” Groves said. “It's going to be tough. I think we relish those games.”
CMU heads to Bowling Green, Ohio, next to face Bowling Green State University on September 28th, at 1 p.m.
