Eagles Score First, But Can't Hold On In 2-1 Loss to Miami
EMU fell in a MAC Tournament semifinal match, 2-1, to the RedHawks to conclude its season Friday
11/6/2009 4:54:03 PM
Box Score
MT. PLEASANT, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – The Eastern Michigan University women’s soccer team fell to Miami University, 2-1, in the second of two Mid-American Conference Tournament semifinals matches at the CMU Soccer Complex Friday afternoon. The Eagles conclude their season with an 11-4-6 overall mark.
After a scoreless first half for both sides, in the 51st minute, senior Ashley Rodrigues was able to connect on her 10th score of the season and into a stiff 15-20 mph wind no less. It came off a one touch pass from fellow senior Carissa Wilson and gave the Eagles a 1-0 second half lead.
Miami, the only MAC team to beat EMU in the regular season, mounted attacks all day and despite being out-shot 5-1 in the first half, still managed several opportunities. They capitalized on a big chance in the 65th minute when EMU’s Jessica Thomas brought down a RedHawk in the box, forcing a penalty kick.
It was a smart play at the time by Thomas considering Monique Budani had come off the line to gather the ball, but misplayed a tricky bounce. It would have allowed Miami a shot at an empty had the foul not occurred. Nevertheless, it gave Allison Berkey a chance to tie the game and she converted for her seventh goal of the season.
Just six minutes later, Miami’s Sara Lund headed a cross from Jess Kodiak into the back of the net for her eighth goal of the year. It gave the RedHawks a 2-1 lead with 20 minutes to play.
The Eagles saw several chances come up short in the final moments of the contest, but the RedHawk defense proved too much. Sixth-seeded Miami comes away with their second upset of the tournament and moves on to face top-seeded Central Michigan in the MAC Tournament final at 1 p.m. Sunday.