Eastern Michigan Athletics
Eastern Michigan University
Michigan State
Soccer Contains High-Powered MSU Offense In 1-1 Draw
9/20/2009 5:39:15 PM | Soccer
The Eagles were out-shot 33-12, but the defense played a key role in 1-1 draw.
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – Eastern Michigan University faced a daunting opponent in unbeaten Michigan State Sunday afternoon and lived up to the task. The Eagles scored an early goal and weathered an onslaught of offensive pressure by the Spartans to walk away with a 1-1 draw at Scicluna Field.
It was arguably the best defensive performance by the Eagles (4-2-2) all season to date. The Spartans dominated with a 33-12 shot advantage with their only goal coming in the 70th minute by Laura Heyboer, her sixth of the season. Heyboer led MSU in goals scored a season ago with 21 and was named to this year's Hermann Trophy Watch List, given to the nation's top women's soccer player.
Paige Sheridan gave the Eagles an early lead in the 12th minute when she was spotted streaking down the middle of the field by teammate Julie Kaim. Kaim delivered a pass that broke Sheridan free, breaking away from the stingy MSU defense. She made one move to beat goalkeeper, Jill Flietstra, and went to the far right post for her second goal of the season.
In the second overtime, Sheridan had a chance to put away the game winner as she received the ball in another one-on-one opportunity with the keeper. Standing less than ten yards to the goal she decided to try and sneak it inside the left near side post rather than going far side. Her shot went wide and she put her arms over her head in disbelief. The junior led the team with four shots, three of which challenged Fleitstra.
For the Michigan State defense, it was only their third goal allowed all season. The other two coming in a 3-1 win over Detroit and a 1-1 tie to UC-Santa Barbara. Tension built from that point on as the Spartans continued to apply pressure before finally getting the equalizer with 20 minutes remaining in regulation. Monique Budani had one of her best games of the year, making nine saves in preserving the tie in 110 minutes in goal.
This game concluded the Eagles' non-conference portion to their schedule. They will begin MAC play next Friday, Sept. 25, traveling to Ohio to take on Akron in the first of two straight league games on the road. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m.
