The Eastern Michigan University women’s soccer team snapped a two-game losing streak Oct. 12, defeating Ohio University 2-1.
The win brought the team’s record to 8-5-1 (5-2 Mid-American Conference). Junior midfielder Cara Cutaia and sophomore forward Bianca Rossi provided the team’s two goals. Rossi also added an assist on Cutaia’s goal, giving her two points in the afternoon.
Cutaia opened the scoring in the 25th minute with a header that got past Ohio goalie Mattie Liston. It was her fifth goal of the season. Rossi was credited with the assist after sophomore Angela Vultaggio nearly scored herself.
Eleven minutes later, Rossi scored her sixth goal of the season on a cannon shot Liston had no chance of stopping.
“I was pretty proud of myself,” Rossi said after the game.
“We got out to a quick 2-0 lead and that’s one of the toughest leads to maintain going into another half,” Cutaia said. “They were a team that did not give up, and we knew that going into the game. We couldn’t allow them to get back into the game.”
Redshirt freshman goaltender Jenna O’Dell continued her phenomenal 2012 campaign in the win. Her eighth of the year, she stopped seven of the eight shots she saw. O’Dell leads the MAC in saves and save percentage. She has 78 saves on the year for a .833 save percentage.
O’Dell’s teammates said great things about her and her season this year.
“She played really well; we’re really glad to have her,” Rossi said. “Jenna had a phenomenal day [in] goal and she came up with some big saves that kept us in the game.”
“She has played a key role in our team’s success this season,” Cutaia said. “She has had a spectacular first year and always stepped up when we needed her most.”
The Eagles have four games remaining on their regular season slate. They are second right now in the MAC West to Central Michigan, who is 6-2 in the conference. The MAC tournament starts Oct. 28.
“We want to pick up points so we’re not fighting for a playoff spot,” Rossi said after the game.
“I think our team is at a very good spot right now,” Cutaia said. “If we continue to stay focused for a full game every game we will be a tough team to beat. I think it’s also important that we bring the intensity and competitiveness we play with in practice to every game. When we play together, possess the ball and stay composed in front of the net, we can be very dangerous.”
The team’s next home game was Oct. 14 against Kent State. The Eagles will be on the road for two games. The team closes out the regular season at home Oct. 25 against Western Michigan. The game starts at 3 p.m.
