MU soccer sinks C. Michigan with trio of goals

Hilary Burkhard

Issue date: 10/2/07 Section: Sports

Miami's soccer team came from behind after trailing 2-1 to CMU Sunday afternoon. The RedHawks notched three goals on the day, one from junior Allison Berkey (left), one from freshman Rachel Byron (middle) and the game-winning goal from freshman Sara Lund (right).

Earning its first Mid-American Conference win of the season, the Miami University women's soccer team edged out Central Michigan Sunday afternoon, winning 3-2. It was the first time Miami defeated Central Michigan since 2004.

"This is definitely a turning point in the season," said freshman forward/midfielder Rachel Byron. "From here on out this is what we want to do, and we have definitely set the standards for ourselves."

Byron was a key contributor to the RedHawks' win. With the team down 2-1 after back-to-back goals by the Chippewas toward the end of the first half, Byron scored on a breakaway with less than two minutes to go, to tie the game at two.

According to Miami Head Coach Bobby Kramig, Byron's goal really turned the tide of the game for the RedHawks.

"I felt like this was a critical moment for us today," he said. "They settled down very nicely, gathered themselves at halftime, got the equalizer before halftime, which was just crucial, and then showed a lot of poise and a lot of composure to close the game out, and it was well deserved."

Freshman Sara Lund put Miami ahead for good with her 49th-minute goal.

Miami wouldn't relinquish the lead, holding on for the last 41 minutes to capture the 3-2 win.

"I'm really proud, I thought this was a huge step forward for us," Kramig said. "The kids went out there, worked really hard, showed a lot of heart and a lot of courage, and I thought it was a great result for that."

Also a key for the RedHawks was the goaltending of Krista Pace, who made 10 saves on the afternoon to lead Miami to victory. Pace caught high headers, hard direct kicks and even tipped a ball over the crossbar toward the end of the first half to keep the score close.

While the goaltender position was set, Kramig and his staff were forced to put up a makeshift lineup with several players unable to play due to injury or illness, forcing Miami to use a short bench. The lineup Sunday afternoon was comprised of mainly young players with one freshman, Lund, and several sophomores.

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