Just two minutes after Oakland took a lead over Kent State’s soccer team Sunday, KSU senior defender Tianna Harris headed in a goal to tie the game. 

With ten minutes left in the game, midfielder Giulia Giovinazzi sailed a ball over the outstretched arms of Oakland goalie Noëmi Stadelmann for what proved to be the winning goal in KSU’s 3-2 victory. 

The Flashes’ record improves to 4-2 while Oakland falls to 1-7. 

“They tried to clear a ball,” coach Rob Marinaro said. “Giulia did a wonderful job getting the ball down and had a great finish. It was just very well done.” 

The Flashes took a lead 17 minutes into the game with a goal from senior forward Khyla Porter. Oakland tied the game seven minutes into the second half and then took the lead less than 10 minutes later. 

Harris scored on a play that started with a throw-in minutes later.

“We’re trying to be more productive on set-pieces, and our group that attacks our offensive corners has been pretty productive this year,” Marinaro said. “This time Tiana had a great finish with wonderful service from Karly Hellstrom.”

The Flashes’ defense held Oakland to only four shots on goal. KSU had 10. 

“It was a good, hard-fought game,” Marinaro said. “Oakland’s a very good team. They move the ball around very well. We had to step up our defensive effort. The effort we showed starting the game and through the ebbs and flows of the game was really impressive today.” 

“We did some tactical adjustments where we released some players to areas that we usually don’t, but the team adapted really well. We got some really good work out of our group on the defensive side of the ball.” 

Redshirt senior Cameron Shedenhelm and redshirt senior Karly Hellstrom had assists for the Flashes. 

“We mainly wanted to up our game, and try to hold as much possession of the ball as we could,” Marinaro said. “Oakland did a really good job and defended us extremely well. They limited a lot of our opportunities, but ultimately we created some opportunities and got some quality finishes.”

The Flashes had two yellow cards and committed 14 fouls to Oakland’s nine. 

“There are moments when we’re maybe a little over-aggressive, but I do think it’s a direct result of our ladies just trying to work as hard as they possibly could,” Marinaro said. 

Kent State plays at West Virginia (4-2-1) Sunday afternoon. 

Cole Oswald is a reporter. Contact him at [email protected]