2024 MACtion on the Pitch: Semifinals

Buffalo and Western Michigan win to face off in the championship.

Welcome back to MACtion on the Pitch, your weekly recap of Mid-American Conference women’s soccer.

The final four have been decided. Two games to decide the finalists. Let’s recap the semifinal action:

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Ohio vs Buffalo (2-1 Buffalo)

Buffalo got on the board first. Jasmine Guerber scored from outside the 18 yard box in the 13th minute. Check out the opener:

In the 35th minute, Buffalo conceded a penalty. Lillian Weller would convert for the Bobcats, making the score 1-1. Here’s the equalizer:

After a tough battle in the second half, it felt like this match was headed for overtime. With 8:23 left, Kelly Severini tapped in the match winner after a scrum in the box (Frederique St.-Jean and Maya Galko assists). Buffalo now heads to the championship match for the second time in three years. Hear from head coach Shawn Burke following the win:

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Kent State vs Western Michigan (4-1 Western Michigan)

Western Michigan got on the board first. Jenna Blackburn scored the opener in the 13th minute (Abby Baldridge assist). Here’s the opener:

6:30 later, the Broncos conceded a penalty. Alisa Arthur converted, equalizing the game for the Flashes.

In the 38th minute, Kent State conceded a penalty. Jen Blitchok converted to make the score 2-1. Here’s the match winner:

2:08 later, Jaden Peck scored a great goal to make it 3-1 Broncos. In the 64th minute, Kent State conceded another penalty. Abby Werthman converted to make it 4-1.

The final whistle blew, and Western Michigan advanced to the championship match for the first time since 2015. Hear from head coach Lewis Robinson on the win:

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Goals of the Round

Our first goal of the round goes to Western Michigan’s Jaden Peck. An absolute beauty from outside the box put the Broncos up 3-1.

Our final goal of the round goes to Buffalo’s Kelly Severini. The winner that got Buffalo back into the championship match.

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Individual Awards

The MAC announced the specialty awards for the 2024 season.

Coach of the Year: Lewis Robinson, Western Michigan

Offensive Player of the Year: Jen Blitchok, Western Michigan

Defensive Player of the Year: Norah Roush, Ohio

Goalkeeper of the Year: Lexie Thompson, Buffalo

Freshman of the Year: Jules Dolinski, Kent State

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All-MAC Teams

The MAC also announced their all-conference teams:

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Upcoming Schedule

After a long season, it comes down to this. One team punches their ticket to the NCAA Tournament.

Buffalo vs. Western Michigan, Sunday 11/10 at 1 PM ET. Available on ESPN+ (valid subscription required)