After going four games without a victory, the Michigan women’s soccer team yearned for another tally in the win column. Sunday against Youngstown State, the Wolverines made it evident early on they were playing an attack-focused game, putting heavy pressure on their opponents.
This approach allowed sophomore forward Elle Ervin to shine in her role as a playmaker, Ervin’s offensive presence haunted the Penguins. While her strength, speed and nose for the net defined her style of play, it was her mentality that pushed her to a different level.
“What (Ervin has) found is her role is to score a goal,” Michigan coach Jennifer Klein said. “So you always want to have a forward up top that can do that.”
Ervin plays with a commanding presence on the field. Her aggressiveness made it appear as though the ball was hers alone. Her speed minimized the true distance between herself and her destination. And her vision of the field placed her three steps ahead of her counterparts.
Due to her explosiveness, early goals came in both halves for the Wolverines. After a corner was taken from the left side of the field, Ervin stood positioned on the right post. She took a head on the ball, sending it across the box for sophomore defender Josie Owen-Kren to break through in the scoring.
Using the goal as a confidence builder for Michigan, Ervin maximized the high press style of play. With the entire team pushing the play into the attacking third, she posted four shots on net in the first half. It was only a matter of time before she too would place a ball in the back of the net.
Just under 10 minutes into the second half, Michigan kept the same play up: connecting passes and initiating runs. It was one of these plays where Ervin capitalized on the opportunity to strike again.
When a series of completed passes opened a promising window, Ervin found the gap in Youngstown State’s defense, making a run towards the left post. Instead of placing the ball nearside, Ervin decided to add a little flare, putting the ball through the legs of the goaltender.
“I picked my head up at the last second and just saw that little opening, and I thought this is a fun way to score,’ ” Ervin said. “So I went through the legs; always satisfying, of course.”
Ervin’s fourth goal of the season slates her as the team’s scoring leader. Despite not leading in minutes, Ervin maximizes her time spent on the field to create the strongest output possible. She constitutes much of her success to her teammates, though, taking pride in their commitment to each other.
“We really demonstrated some of our characteristics that we’re focusing on this year, pride, grit and unity,” Ervin said. “And we are just hoping to carry that into the next month.”
Ervin and her playmaking abilities were no match for the Penguins, as her instincts proved to be innate. Her aggressive, attentive and quick pace sets the tone for everyone in her presence.
The post Michigan Elle Ervin champions the offensive attack in victory against Youngstown State appeared first on The Michigan Daily.
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