The Eastern Michigan University women's soccer team delivered a commanding performance on Sunday, September 20, 2026, defeating rival Central Michigan University 3-0 at Scicluna Field. In front of a crowd of 367 spectators, the Eagles broke open a scoreless halftime tie with a powerful three-goal eruption during the second half to secure their first Mid-American Conference (MAC) victory of the year. Eastern Michigan had entered the contest coming off draws in its first two conference matches.
The opening 45 minutes played out as a tightly contested, physical battle. Central Michigan generated five shots in the first half compared to four for Eastern Michigan, though neither side could break through. Central Michigan earned seven corner kicks in the opening period, while Eastern Michigan took three. The physical nature of the rivalry surfaced early when Central Michigan forward Ella Betzold received a yellow card in the 27th minute following a foul.
The second half was a completely different story as Eastern Michigan asserted total control. The Eagles broke the deadlock in the 61st minute (60:06) when Meredith Werner netted the game-winning goal off an assist from Olivia Sipsock. The strike marked the first goal of Werner’s career at Eastern Michigan.
Just seven minutes later, the Eagles doubled their lead. In the 68th minute (67:37), defender Christie Fransen converted an unassisted penalty kick after a Central Michigan foul. The goal was Fransen's second penalty kick conversion at EMU and her third overall goal of the 2026 season.
Eastern Michigan completed the 3-0 scoreline in the 80th minute (79:44). Ella Miller found the back of the net off a set of passes from Kate Cerveny and Christie Fransen. The goal was the first of Miller's career at Eastern Michigan, while Fransen logged her first recorded assist in an EMU uniform.
Statistical breakdown: Eagles take over after halftime
Eastern Michigan's second-half surge was clearly reflected in the final box score. After being outshot 5-4 in the first half, the Eagles outshot the Chippewas 10-1 over the final 45 minutes. In total, Eastern Michigan held a 14-6 advantage in shots and put 10 of those 14 attempts on goal, compared to just 1 shot on goal for Central Michigan.
Central Michigan goalkeeper Jadia Kershaw made 7 saves, 2 in the first half and 5 in the second, to keep the Chippewas within reach before the second-half goals. Conversely, EMU goalkeeper Ella Holland needed to make only 1 save across the entire 90 minutes.
The match featured 26 total fouls, with Central Michigan committing 17 fouls to Eastern Michigan's 9. Two additional cautions were issued in the second half: EMU's Kaylee Synk received a yellow card in the 51st minute, and Central Michigan's Evie Brown was cautioned in the 83rd minute. Central Michigan finished with 7 corner kicks (all in the first half), while Eastern Michigan earned 6 corners split across both halves. EMU was flagged for offsides 3 times, whereas CMU had no offside infractions.
Milestones in net: Ella Holland records 20th career shutout
In goal for Eastern Michigan, senior keeper Ella Holland played all 90 minutes to preserve the clean sheet. The victory marked the 20th career shutout of Holland's Eastern Michigan career. Entering the match, Holland ranked third in program history in career shutouts and seventh in career saves, having accumulated 284 saves at EMU.
With Sunday's 90-minute outing, Holland has now played 3,780 consecutive minutes in net for the Eagles.
Historic start and program records for 2026 Eagles
Sunday's shutout victory added another chapter to an exceptional start to the 2026 campaign. Eastern Michigan improved to 3-0-0 at Scicluna Field this season, with all three home wins coming by scores of 3-0 or better. The 2026 squad became the first EMU team since 1997 to score three or more goals in each of its first three home matches.
The Eagles' defense has also set historical benchmarks. Through eight matches in 2026, Eastern Michigan has surrendered just three total goals. This is a program record for the fewest goals allowed through the first eight games of a season since the program began in 1995 (surpassing the previous record of four goals allowed in 2006).
Additionally, Eastern Michigan's 3-1-4 record through eight matches marks the first time since 1999 that an EMU soccer team has suffered only one loss through its opening eight games. In the rivalry series, Eastern Michigan expanded its all-time lead against Central Michigan to 18-8-5 across 31 meetings, including a 10-4-3 home record.
Current standings and up next
Following the result, Eastern Michigan moved to 3-1-4 overall and 1-0-1 in MAC play, while Central Michigan fell to 2-6-1 overall and 0-2-0 in conference play.
Looking ahead
Eastern Michigan hits the road on Saturday, September 27, 2026, traveling to Buffalo, N.Y., to face the University at Buffalo.
