EMU Blanks CMU to Advance to MAC Title Match

Box Score

TOLEDO, Ohio- The Eastern Michigan University soccer team advanced to the Championship game of the Mid-American Conference Tournament with a 2-0 win over in-state rival Central Michigan University Friday, Nov. 7 at Scott Park in Toledo, Ohio. The Eagles move on to the championship match where they will face host Toledo Sunday, Nov. 9 at 1 p.m.

The Eagles move to 13-4-5 on the year while Central ends the season at 12-5-3. These two teams just played each other Oct. 30 in Mount Pleasant, Mich., where they battled a 2-2 draw. After being held scoreless in the first half in their earlier meeting against the Chips, the Eagles were able to net a goal right before halftime, taking a lead they would not relinquish.

Just when it looked like both teams were going to hit the intermission at a 0-0 tie, EMU took advantage of a CMU miscommunication. With Chelsea Detrick (Grosse Pointe, Mich.-Grosse Pointe North) pressuring, Central keeper Shay Mannino and her defender misplayed the ball, leaving Deana Kinter (Grand Blanc, Mich.-Grand Blanc) an open net. Kinter fired from outside the box, finding the back of the net with just 1:53 remaining in the first half to stake the Eagles a 1-0 lead.

In the second half, the Eagles continued their offensive pressure out of the gates. Freshman Vanessa Atatanasoski (Sterling Heights, Mich.-Stevenson) took a ball at midfield and beat her defender down the field. The freshman was able to create enough space to get off a shot, firing it past Mannino for the Eagles’ second goal of the contest at the 56 minute mark, giving EMU a two-goal lead.

After that, it was all up to the EMU defense to keep the lead. The Eagles’ back line did not disappoint, keeping the Chips off the scoreboard to record the 2-0 win. Goalie Mona Budani (Whitby, Ont.-Sinclair Secondary) made three saves in the backstop to anchor the strong defensive effort by the Eagles.

EMU will now head to the Championship match set for Sunday, Nov. 9 at 1 p.m. and will face the Rockets of Toledo. Sunday’s championship tilt marks the third title game appearance for EMU. The Eagles are 1-1 in the title game, last winning it in 1999.

Eastern Michigan Athletics

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