The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
Central Michigan
Zips Season Ends with 2-1 MAC Tourney Loss at Central Michigan
October 30 | Women's Soccer
MT. PLEASANT, Mich. – Two early Central Michigan goals were the difference Sunday afternoon as The University of Akron women's soccer team fell in the Mid-American Conference Quarterfinals, 2-1, at the CMU Soccer Complex.
Rachel Phillip halved the CMU lead with her goal late in the first half, but the Zips were unable to equalize despite applying solid pressure and creating numerous chances throughout the second half.
Senior goalkeeper Jeny Wolbert made seven saves in the contest, while Phillip fired four shots. Jordan Clark – who provided the assist on Phillip's score – took aim at goal a total of three times.
CMU scored twice from long-range in the first seven minutes to build an early two-goal advantage. Ashley Mejilla struck first when she found the left upper 90 from the right corner of the penalty area in the fifth minute. Just two minutes later Chelsea Abbott beat Wolbert at the near post from 30 yards out.
"We knew the first twenty minutes would be difficult and that they would apply a lot of pressure," UA coach Chris Pfau said. "We didn't do good enough to absorb that in the early going."
The game evened out after the early CMU push, with the Zips holding possession and beginning to produce chances in the attacking third.
I give credit to our team that after that we figured out how to play and gave ourselves a chance to tie the match late, and that's all you can ask," Pfau said.
Phillip further energized the Zips with a 40th minute score that pulled the Zips deficit back to one goal. Clark played a cross from the left touchline into the center of the box that Phillip settled and bashed past CMU keeper Stefanie Turner for her fifth goal of the season.
Wolbert kept the Zips in the contest with several saves. The senior netminder dove to her left to knock away a low shot in the 33rd minute. Wolbert then stopped a close-range volley by Tammy Long in the 54th minute.
UA's first corner of the match produced a chance to equalize in the 76th minute. Kelly DeNiro's cross was headed back across to Phillip whose shot from eight yards out was blocked by a CMU defender. Katie Wise had another good opportunity in the 81st minute after she received the ball in the center of the box surrounded by CMU defenders. Wise moved past one Chippewa but had her shot blocked over the endline for a corner.
Clark found herself in space 20 yards out from goal in the 85th minute, but her shot skimmed over the crossbar.
The Zips had one final chance as time expired. Adrienne Steckel played the ball over the top of the CMU backline, looking for a streaking Wise. A lunging CMU defender was able to nudge the ball away from Wise however and into the hands of Turner.
The loss brings a close to the career of six Akron seniors. Jeny Wolbert, Rachel Phillip, Jordan Clark, Adrienne Steckel, Liz Cloutier, and Kara Cooper have all left their mark on Akron soccer.
"It's been an incredible four years with this senior class," Pfau said. "They have taken a program that never made the MAC Tournament to where it is now, competing with not only the top teams in the conference, but with some of the top teams in the country. They should be proud of what they have accomplished and what they have done in four years. It's been a pleasure to coach and watch them grow."
