Season Stats

Box Score

OXFORD, Ohio -- An early goal combined with smart defensive play helped the Western Michigan women's soccer team defeat the Miami Redhawks in Mid-American Conference road action on Friday afternoon.

In the 10th minute sophomore forward Stephanie Skowneski got the ball on a run down the side of the field. Skowneski settled the ball and crossed it in to the box. Freshman forward Anina Cicerone was one the receiving end and put it in the net for her third goal of the season.

“We tested them early during the first 25 minutes,” said interim head coach Suzie Grech. “We were able to finish on a great opportunity by Anina.”

From there the Broncos had to weather the storm, as Miami fired off 10 shots in the first half and five in the second half. Smart defensive play was a key, specifically in the winding minutes of the second half.

“The second half became a very physical match,” said Grech. “In the final 15 minutes they moved for forwards up top. We did a good job of relieving the pressure and clearing the ball when we needed to. I thought the girls played very smart and composed under pressure.”

A key save by Sarah Phillips, one of four on the day, was made in the 82nd minute off of a corner kick to keep the lead and ensure the win.

Western Michigan heads to Ball State for its final road match of the regular season at 1 p.m.