After dropping the back end of the Husky Nike Invitational in Seattle this past weekend, the Michigan women’s soccer team is looking to revive its winning ways.
The Wolverines (4-2) will face their first ranked opponent on Sunday in No. 13 Notre Dame, but before heading to South Bend, they have one team in their way. Michigan will host in-state competitor Central Michigan this Thursday night.
The Chippewas (1-2-1) are coming off a 2-0 win against Youngstown State, their first victory of the season.
Central Michigan goalie Zoie Reed posted her first career shutout in the match.
“She had a really good confidence-building performance,” Central Michigan coach Peter McGahey told Central Michigan’s athletic website.
To fully take control of the match, the Wolverines must handle the ball with finesse near the goal and exploit any free space given by Reed. Sophomore forward Taylor Timko continues to be an influential force up top, recording five goals already this year. But Timko is not the only contributing factor — 13 other players have tallied points in just six games.
Leading the Big Ten in shots per game with an average of 21.5, Michigan will look to continue its offensive dominance and exploit its opponent’s defense as it continues into the rest of its schedule.
The Wolverines completed a triumphant 3-0 victory at their last meeting with Central Michigan in 2014. To repeat this outcome, though, they’ll have to convert on their plethora of scoring opportunities.
“The main thing is just that we’ve got to finish our chances,” said Michigan coach Greg Ryan after Sunday’s loss against Washington. “This has been the thing that we’ve been trying to develop so far, because we’re getting enough chances to win games.”