Central Michigan Pulls Away From Purdue Fort Wayne, 6-1

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. — Purdue Fort Wayne couldn’t overcome an early deficit Thursday night as Central Michigan defeated the Mastodons 6-1 at the CMU Soccer Complex.
Central Michigan struck twice in less than eight minutes to take control early. Claire Bergsma opened the scoring at 6:06, assisted by Rachel Jackson. Just 1:43 later, Ella Dykstra scored at 7:49 off an assist from Bergsma to give the Chippewas a 2-0 advantage.

The Mastodons kept Central Michigan off the board for the remainder of the first half, but the Chippewas added their third goal shortly after halftime. Naomi Phillips scored at 49:32, assisted by Melaina Troy, to make it 3-0.
Purdue Fort Wayne broke through in the 68th minute. Cyann Retzloff scored her first goal of the season unassisted at 67:27, cutting Central Michigan’s advantage to 3-1.

Central Michigan answered almost immediately. Just 27 seconds later, Jordan Bailey scored at 67:54, assisted by Olivia Bretz, restoring the three-goal advantage.
The Chippewas added two more late. Kylee Weed scored at 74:27 off an assist from Phillips, and Ella Betzold closed the scoring with an unassisted goal at 86:48.

Central Michigan controlled the offensive numbers, outshooting Purdue Fort Wayne 21-5 and holding a 12-2 advantage in shots on goal. The Chippewas also earned all 10 corner kicks in the match. Purdue Fort Wayne goalkeeper Sam Christle made six saves, while Central Michigan recorded one save.

The loss drops Purdue Fort Wayne to 0-2-1, while Central Michigan improves to 2-2-0. The Mastodons return to action Sunday when they travel to Eastern Illinois for a 4 p.m. ET kickoff.