The Creighton women’s soccer team didn’t let their tired legs effect their focus as they held on to defeat Central Michigan on Sunday afternoon at Morrison Stadium. Facing a quick turnaround after a fast and furious 4-1 win over Northern Illinois on Friday night, the Bluejays were feeling the fatigue at times against the Chippewas, but they battled through to improve to 3-0-0 at home this season.
“We dub them ‘battles’ just because it’s not always about who is the better team, it’s about who is willing to put in the extra mile, literally, and put in the extra work to get the win,” junior midfielder and team co-captain Emily Roll said. “It came down to a free kick today, and it’s just little mental sharpness things that you have to stay on top of, especially when you’re tired, because that could mean the difference in a win and a loss.”
The lone goal of the match hit the back of the net with 41.6 seconds remaining in the first half. After a foul by Central Michigan, junior center back Ylenia Sachau lined up to take the free kick for Creighton along the left sideline from about 40 yards away. She sent her kick into the box in front of the goal where Central Michigan junior midfielder Christen Chiesa headed the ball into the right corner of the net for an own goal just before the half.
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See photos from WBR’s Brad Williams of the win
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Creighton didn’t want to sit on the lead and came out in the second half trying to put another one in the back of the net. However, they weren’t able to get the ball into dangerous areas of the field enough for their attacking players to be productive and thus had to fight through a back and forth 45 minutes of soccer in order to preserve the lead.
“We wanted to play more on our half of the field, but one thing we didn’t do well enough was we didn’t find our forwards feet and hold on to the ball in order for our full team to push up the field,” Creighton head coach Ross Paule said. “It’s one of those things that we’re going to watch on film, and we’re going to show them that this is the way to get more in the attacking side of the field. We need to find our forwards feet. Our defensive midfielders worked so hard, but again I think we need to do a better job with the ball. They’re working hard without the ball, now we need to get better with it.”
Defensively, the Bluejays answered the bell against a team that produced three goals against a strong Nebraska side on Friday night. Quality play in the midfield, and a stingy back line that at times had to dig deep and fight to turn away Central Michigan’s quick and aggressive wide players, were key factors in the shutout victory.
“It was a great result for our girls, and I told them we have to really push ourselves out of our comfort zone with our fitness,” Paule said. “When you’re getting tired we have to do a little bit extra. By doing that, every game we’re going to get fitter, and I think this game shows that. This is one of those game where you have to battle the whole time, and if you take a break you’re going to get punished for it. I’m proud of them. I’m really proud of them for their effort.”
The clean sheet was the second in the young career of Creighton freshman goalkeeper Erin Scott. The first-year keeper out of Dallas, Texas, continues to show up big at Morrison Stadium. In just shy of three full matches she has made 16 saves and has yet to concede at Morrison Stadium.
“I think she’s another one of those freshmen that are only going to get better,” Paule said of his freshman shot stopper. “The more minutes that she’s getting and getting these shutouts are huge for her confidence. She’s a clean goalkeeper. She does what she is supposed to do, and holds on to the ball pretty well. She’s got some things to improve on, and I think that’s only going to come with more experience.”
She’s starting to act the part beyond just making saves when she needs to. A big part of her job involves communication and conviction in her instructions. As a freshman keeper it takes some time to develop that, but according to at least one of her teammates, she’s starting to develop that side as well.
“For being a freshman in such a vocal position she’s definitely grown into it. At the beginning it’s freshman jitters, I suffered the same thing,” Roll said. “You’re playing with girls that are three or four years older than you, and you’re directing them on the field, and telling them what to do. There is definitely maybe an intimidation factor, but she’s definitely gotten into that role and she’s not afraid to be vocal back there and make some great saves.”
“I attribute this game a lot to her. She had some really great saves on free kicks and coming out.”
