In a long-awaited showdown between two sides separated by just 30 miles, Wednesday night’s matchup between No. 7 Central and No. 12 Columbia College did not disappoint, as a late goal by senior midfielder Andrea Villar propelled CMU to a 1-0 victory over the Cougars. 

Last Wednesday’s match was the first time the two squads have met since the 2013 season. With the victory, Central improved to 2-0 overall on the 2021 campaign. It was a defensive stalemate for the first 88 minutes of action and it appeared the match would head to extra time. However, with just under two minutes remaining, a blunder by the Columbia College goalkeeper gave Villar an easy look at goal for her third score of the season. 

Overall, Central tallied 10 total shots with three coming on goal compared to just four shots and one on goal for the Cougars.

Villar led the CMU offense with five shots, two on goal, including the game-winner. Junior Maria Cervello tallied two shots, while sophomores Alicia Zamora, Sandra Jakobsen, and freshman Marcella Helena, each collected one.

On Saturday, CMU steamrolled past the Missouri Baptist Spartans 12-0 at hom.

With the win, Central improves to 3-0 overall. It is the largest win for Central since a 14-0 win over Stephens College on Feb. 23 of 2021. 

Villar again led the Eagles’ offense with a hat trick, scoring goals in the seventh, 47th, and 59thminutese. Freshmen Roneisha Frank and Helena each collected two goals. 

Sophomores Kitti Torok, Alicia Zamora, and Jakobsen, along with juniors Alexis Ashmore and Maria Cervello all scored one goal. The Central offense racked up 31 total shots while holding the Spartans to zero. 

Villar also added two assists to go along with her hat trick as did Jakobsen.

Central continues non-conference action with a neutral site matchup against No. 4 Marian, tonight in St. Louis.

CMU will return home on Saturday with an 11 a.m. match against Bethany.