KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Western Michigan women's soccer team suffered its first loss of the season in Mid-American Conference play, falling to rivals Central Michigan 2-1 at the WMU Soccer Complex on Sunday afternoon.
The Broncos (7-3-0, 1-1-0 MAC) dominated play at times, particularly in the first half, but CMU twice caught the defense on the counter attack for the game-tying goal and the game-winner.
After holding the Chippewas without a shot in the first half, the Broncos got on the board first in the 50th minute. Alyssa Burke played Emma Kahn behind two defenders in the left side of the box. Kahn cut in and chipped the ball over CMU goalkeeper Kristen Knutson's head and into the net for her second goal of the season.
Central Michigan tied the game in the 61st minute after Alexis Pelfas capped off a long run to beat two defenders and WMU keeper Stephanie Heber for her MAC-best 10th goal of the season.
The game-winner came in the 72nd minute after Marie Bringard finished off a give-and-go from Sherry Lauren from the middle of the box for her first goal of the season.
WMU tried to rally down 2-1 and fired off 10 total shots in the second half but were unable to get it past the CMU defense.
The Broncos are next in action at Ohio on Friday, Sept. 30 at 4 p.m. and at Kent State on Sunday, Oct. 2 at 1 p.m.
