Western and Eastern Michigan are once again fighting for first place in the Mid-American Conference (MAC). With second place all tied up between Miami, Buffalo, Kent State, and Eastern Michigan, the MAC is starting to heat up, and competitions are seeming more and more important each day.
Western Michigan is still on a tear:
Western Michigan is still undefeated at home, extending its unbeaten streak against MAC opponents to a staggering 26 games, after shutting out Ohio University 1-0. Western Michigan put on the pressure, outshooting Ohio 13-5, but despite this, Ohio University never let up. Ohio had the opportunity to turn things around, getting its only two shots on goal in the final 10 minutes of the game, only to have the momentum halted after an offsides call.
After this win, Western Michigan has reclaimed its first-place spot in the MAC standings and is gearing up to face Toledo, who have yet to find its first conference win this season. Ohio University extends its road trip, hoping to bounce back against Eastern Michigan, who are tied for second with Miami, Buffalo, and Kent State.
Toledo at Central Michigan:
The game got away from Central Michigan yet again as they drew 1-1 with a rallying Toledo. This matchup would prove to be pretty even, with Toledo outshooting 11-10 (5-5 shots on goal), securing the game-tieing goal 11 minutes after Central Michigan’s go-ahead goal by freshman Jimena Ayala. This was Ayala’s first career goal for the Chippewas.
While Central Michigan couldn’t get the win today, head coach Jeremy Grave still has hope: “I think they’re only going to get better as time goes on.”
Central Michigan will be on the road on Sunday, facing off against Bowling Green, one of just two teams that have yet to suffer a conference loss this season. Only the dominant Western Michigan shares that title.
Eastern Michigan at Miami:
Eastern Michigan was hoping to continue its winning streak against its MAC opponents, but fell, losing 1-0 to the Miami Red Hawks. Miami leads the all-time series against Eastern Michigan, holding a 16-13-2 record.
After this loss, Eastern Michigan ended its stint in first in the MAC and now sits tied for second alongside Miami, Buffalo, and Kent State.
Miami’s gearing up to head to Akron, hoping to bounce back and get out of their all-tied-up conundrum in the standings.
Buffalo powers through Ball State
Although freshman goalkeeper Kate Pallante got five saves in her first career start for Ball State, it would be Buffalo in the win column after 90 minutes of attacking on both ends. Buffalo took advantage of their fast start, taking eight out of their 11 shots in the opening half and scoring in the 15th and 34th minutes.
Next week, Buffalo will take their show on the road to Kent State for a battle out of a tied second-place. With both teams on a two-game winning streak, both teams are looking to extend that streak as well as get out of the slump that is second-place.
A stalemate in Illinois
Akron and Northern Illinois ended the game in a stalemate, 0-0, as Akron’s freshman goal keeper Ariana Vakos collected her first career clean sheet (0-0 draw) and fourth shutout for Akron.
Northern Illinois’ head coach, Michael O’Neill, stressed the importance of these upcoming games. “I knew the importance of one goal to win, and I was prepared to lose it for that. That sounds crazy, but we are in a position where we need to win games,” said O’Neill.
After this stalemate, Northern Illinois will hit the road and take on UMass.
Kent State still undefeated in the MAC
Kent State holds a 2-0-0 record in the MAC after opening home conference play with a 2-1 victory against UMass. Outshooting UMass 12-9, Kent State brought on the offense, and junior goalkeeper Leah Shaffer held UMass to their lone goal.
