Box Score Box Score |
Highlights, Postgame Sound
PORTLAND, Ore. --- Senior Ellen Parker scored the game-winner in the second half and the Pilots held Central Michigan to just three shots on the night as the No. 15 Pilots shutout the Chippewas 1-0 at the Nike Invitational on Friday night at Merlo Field. Parker's goal capped a dominating performance by the Pilots, who outshot the Chippewas 16-3.
Parker's goal came in the 82nd minute on a nice cross from freshman Ellie Boon, who fought off two defenders to maintain possession near the right endline. Her pass to the center of the box found Parker, who had just enough space to take a touch and finish inside the left post to give the Pilots the 1-0 lead.
It's Parker's second goal of the season and it's the first career assist for Boon.
The Chippewas never seriously threatened the Portland frame after that, and the UP defense held the Central Michigan attack in check all night. UP senior goalkeeper Erin Dees was forced to make just one save en route to her second shutout this season.
The Pilots improve to 3-0-1 on the year, while Central Michigan drops to 0-3-1.
The first five minutes of the game featured three great scoring chances for the Pilots. Micaela Capelle had a shot knocked down by CMU keeper Heather Laeufer barely four minutes into the game, and Emily Sippel's attempt on the rebound was deflected and sent just wide of the left post.
On the ensuing corner kick, Michelle Cruz had her shot blocked and then saved by Laeufer.
The Pilots continued to create chances throughout the game as they thoroughly dominated the battle of possession. In the second half, Parker nearly scored with a shot in the 67th minute, but Laeufer made a nice diving save to momentarily keep the game at 0-0.
The Nike Invitational continues on Sunday when the Pilots face the No. 7 Wake Forest Demon Deacons at 2:30 p.m. Wake Forest opened the Invite with a 1-0 win over Washington on Friday afternoon.
The Huskies will face Central Michigan on Sunday at noon.
