Central Michigan Come Back for 1-1 Draw at Michigan

September 12, 2011

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Sophomore Samantha Brenz scored her first career goal in the 78th minute to give Central Michigan a 1-1 draw at Michigan in a very physical match Sunday evening in Ann Arbor.

The Chippewas (5-1-1) and Wolverines (5-2-1) each attempted to flex their muscle through the contest, as physical play resulted in a combined 41 fouls.

With the Maroon and Gold trailing, 1-0, senior Claire Horton was given a free kick from the right side of the 18-yard box after a Michigan foul. The senior's pass found Brenz inside the box, where the sophomore headed a shot off the left post past Michigan keeper Haley Kopmeyer to tie the game.

Both team's had just one scoring opportunity in the first overtime and sophomore forward Jennifer Gassman nearly ended the game for CMU in the 96th minute, firing a shot outside the 18-yard box that Kopmeyer was just able to get a fingertip on to send over the net and keep the game tied.

CMU was able to fire four shots in the second overtime in an attempt to gain the sudden victory, but its best attempt, a shot by freshman forward Laura Gosse inside the six-yard box, was wide left of the goal.

Junior goalkeeper Stefanie Turner made four saves in the match after giving up a goal in the eighth minute to Michigan's Tori McCombs, two of which came after Brenz's game tying goal to send the match to overtime.

Despite the draw, the Maroon and Gold dominated the match statistically, putting 10 shots on goal to Michigan's five, and holding a 6-3 edge in corner kicks.

Junior forward Ashley Mejilla led the Chippewas with five shots, three on goal while senior Chelsi Abbott fired all three of her shots on net.

CMU is on the road again Wednesday for another match versus a Big Ten opponent as it will take on Wisconsin in Madison, Wis., at 4 p.m.