After a late-season surge pulling off several wins, the Eastern Michigan University women’s soccer team’s season came to an end with a home loss to Central Michigan, 1-0, Thursday.
The Eagles end the season 3-13-2.
Throughout the season, EMU posted a one-goal-per-game average. Leading the way was Angela Vultaggio, who finished with 13 points, six of which came from goals.
The Eagles’ consistent scoring late in the season was made possible by an emphasis on teamwork, as 16 of the 17 goals followed an assist. Leading the teamwork was Cara Cutaia, who posted team-high four assists, followed by Stephanie Clarke with three.
Leading EMU defensively was Maggie Manville, who started 15 of the 16 games and posted more then 100 saves as she anchored the team. During Manville’s season she posted one shutout and more than 1,500 minutes of playing time.
Beginning on a slow note with a tie in their first game, the Eagles went on to lose their next nine games before another tie against Buffalo. With much on the line, the Eagles rallied off their first win of the season in an overtime home victory over Miami.
With the season winding down, the Eagles found their stride, pulling off back-to-back victories against Northern Illinois and Miami. During these victories, EMU found late heroines in top goal scorers Vultaggio and Chelsea Detrick. Vultagio posted two goals against Miami, while Detrick scored the only game goal against NIU.
EMU has consistently displayed discipline, ending with zero red cards along with the ability to apply pressure at the right moments, almost always taking more corners than its opponents during every game.
During its late-season surge, EMU posted its best game against Ball State, scoring five goals and displaying the offensive breakthrough they had shown glimpses of throughout the season. During the game, Clarke and Detrick once again showed how teamwork was a key factor to EMU’s success, assisting in four of the five goals.
Not all was well for EMU, which was 0-9-1 on the road. The Eagles were outscored 17-4 in away games.
EMU faced several complications against opponents, beginning with goal-shot attempts. EMU was out-gunned by opponents 316-269 against opponents, while being outscored 32-17.
EMU displayed success in possession through most of their victories taking more corner kicks then its opponents throughout the season,79-73.
In its last game, EMU took 17 shots, outshooting Central 14-9 during the second half and took more corner kicks, 5-2.
EMU completed the season with a shot percentage of .063, having 117 shots on goal through 269 attempts. It took an average of 15 shots per game.
Seniors leaving the team include sisters Amanda and Katie Marsh, Julie Kaim, Detrick and Manville.
