Soccer Season Ends as Ashland Advances on PKs

ASHLAND, Ohio — Despite a 28-11 advantage in total shots and a 17-6 margin in shots on goal, the Michigan Tech soccer season ended today at Ashland. The teams played to a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes of regulation and 20 minutes of overtime. The host Eagles advanced to the GLIAC Semifinals on penalty kicks 5-3.

"What we did on the field today was amazing," said Tech coach Michelle Jacob. "PKs is a hard part of soccer. We played so well. I thought we controlled the game and spent a lot of time in an attacking position. We just couldn't get that second one to go in."

The game was reminiscent of the teams' Sept. 18 matchup in Houghton, where the Huskies held a 21-4 advantage in shots but lost 1-0.

Today, the Black and Gold dominated ball possession, particularly in overtime. Tech took seven shots and put five of those on net in the extra sessions.

AU's goalkeeper Courtney Barker made 14 saves in game play, then another on penalty kicks to carry her team.

Ashland went first in the PK session and never missed. The Huskies faltered on their second shot and didn't need to take their final PK as the outcome was decided.

Tech opened scoring in the 12th minute as Jacqueline Mielke chipped a shot over Barker inside the far post.

Ashland (13-4-1) answered in the 34th minute on a redirected shot in a crowded box.

The teams played scoreless the rest of the way, with the Huskies holding a 13-2 advantage in shots on goal after halftime.

Michigan Tech's 2015 season ends with a 9-6-2 record. With it, five seniors—Haley Crites, Lexi Herrewig, Jenna Phelps, Janelle Riedl and Korinne Umlauft—finished their careers.

"It breaks my heart to lose today. Our seniors worked so hard and have done so much for this program.

"I give all our players so much credit with keeping up with school and putting in the effort on the field with all the travel. It truly is a wonderful group to work with."