MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. — Central Michigan defeated Eastern Michigan 2-0 on Wednesday evening in a Mid-American Conference matchup that saw the Chippewas secure their first victory in recent outings through clinical finishing in the second half. The home side's dominant defensive performance and opportunistic attacking proved decisive against an Eastern Michigan squad that struggled to convert its chances throughout the 90 minutes.
Jimena Perez Ayala opened the scoring for Central Michigan in the 63rd minute, with Ella Betzold providing the assist on a right-footed strike to the high right corner of the goal. Jordan Bailey doubled the advantage just four minutes later in the 67th minute, also assisted by Betzold, firing a left-footed shot to the low left corner to seal the victory. The two-goal burst in quick succession proved insurmountable for Eastern Michigan, which had created opportunities but failed to capitalize on its attacking forays throughout the match.
The first half remained scoreless despite both teams generating chances. Eastern Michigan's Olivia Sipsock attempted multiple shots in the opening 45 minutes, firing wide in the 2nd minute, missing high in the 12th minute, and sending another attempt wide left in the 24th minute. Central Michigan responded with Rachel Jackson's blocked shot in the 10th minute and Jimena Perez Ayala's low-center effort in the 16th minute that went wide. The half featured two corner kicks for Eastern Michigan and three for Central Michigan, with neither team able to convert set-piece opportunities. Brylee Borgman, Central Michigan's goalkeeper, made a crucial save on Josie Langhans' low-left shot in the first half, while Ella Holland recorded a save for Eastern Michigan on Ella Fuller's low-right attempt in the 39th minute.
The second half saw Central Michigan emerge with greater attacking intent. After a scoreless opening 45 minutes, the Chippewas broke through with Perez Ayala's goal in the 63rd minute, capitalizing on a well-worked sequence that saw Betzold create space on the left flank. The quick succession of goals—Bailey's finish just four minutes later—effectively decided the contest. Eastern Michigan pressed for a response, with Olivia Sipsock testing Borgman with a low-center shot in the 76th minute that the goalkeeper saved. Abby Parsons also forced a save from Borgman in the 78th minute with a low-center attempt, but Eastern Michigan could not breach the Central Michigan defense.
Central Michigan outshot Eastern Michigan 8-17 overall, though Eastern Michigan held a 7-7 advantage in shots on target. The Chippewas recorded three corner kicks compared to Eastern Michigan's two. Brylee Borgman made seven saves for Central Michigan, while Ella Holland recorded five saves for Eastern Michigan. Central Michigan committed 11 fouls to Eastern Michigan's 12, with Kaylee Synk receiving a yellow card for unsporting conduct in the 60th minute and Jimena Perez Ayala earning a yellow card for unsporting conduct in the 68th minute.
Ella Betzold emerged as Central Michigan's standout performer, providing both assists and creating multiple dangerous opportunities throughout the match. Brylee Borgman's seven saves proved vital in preserving the clean sheet for the Chippewas. For Eastern Michigan, Ella Holland made five important saves to keep her team in contention, though the Eagles' attacking players could not find the breakthrough.
Central Michigan's defensive organization and clinical finishing proved decisive. The Chippewas controlled the tempo in the second half and capitalized on their opportunities when they arrived. Eastern Michigan dominated possession at times but lacked the precision needed to convert chances into goals, particularly in the opening 45 minutes when both teams remained scoreless.
The victory represents a crucial result for Central Michigan, improving the Chippewas' record to 1-14-3 overall and snapping a two-match losing streak. Eastern Michigan, now 6-8-4, suffered their first loss in two matches after consecutive victories over Akron and Northern Illinois.