Senior Olivia Bretz controlled the loose ball with her feet and smacked it between two opposing defenders to junior Ella Betzold. Betzold took a touch, dribbled and shot past the goalkeeper, scoring the first goal of the game in the 67th minute. 

Betzold was relieved to score, as she struggled against these opponents last year.

“It was quick movement, and I saw my teammate right between two players, and I was just screaming for the ball, hoping she would slot it through,” Betzold said. “I just looked up and got the shot off and was able to hit top corner.”

The crowd, in all-white attire, detonated in cheers, bringing the Central Michigan University women’s soccer team ahead 1-0 against the University of Cincinnati Bearcats.

The goal was the 10th goal of the season, surpassing last year’s goal total in 13 fewer games.

Despite the moment, the Chippewas ultimately tied the game, 1-1.

“I think it’s weird to say, and I said this to the girls, that we were disappointed that we didn’t win, which just shows how far we’ve come so quickly,” head coach James Decosemo said.

Despite the draw, the Chippewas had 11 fewer shots than Cincinnati. Senior goalkeeper, Jadia Kershaw had six saves in the game. However, she also gave up the equalizer ten minutes after Betzold’s goal.

“I’m always going to wish to have that back, but one-on-ones are tough, and I made a one-on-one save a couple of plays later,” Kershaw said. “I just got to try and get down quicker and make that save, but at the end of the day, I did what I needed to do most of the game.”

Decosemo mentioned senior Rachel Jackson as a standout player, citing her defensive work and tireless effort. He also said the midfield worked hard during the game, even after getting tired at the end.

“Mel(Troy) and Naomi(Phillips) in the second half really stepped up,” he said. “I think in the 1st half, they probably want back, but in the second half, real good response.”

The Chippewas stay in Mount Pleasant to take on a ranked University of Wisconsin Badgers team on Sunday, Sept 6 at 1 p.m.

Decosemo said the team is in a great spot expectations-wise.

“I’d say we don’t have any pressure. We’re not meant to win. We’re not meant to get a result in the game, and I think that’s a really cool place to be,” he said. “I hope we feel just like this is a great opportunity to go build, get better, and have a go at a really, really, really good team.”