To conclude the team’s non-conference schedule, the Kent State soccer team tied 1-1 with the Oakland Grizzlies.
This marks the Flashes third tied game of the season. KSU now stands with a record of 2-2-3. This was the team’s fifth game this season with one goal or less.
“I thought we were good in moments, but we’re just not getting the quality that we need from some of our individual production,” coach Rob Marinaro said.
THE BREAKDOWN
In the second minute of the game, junior midfielder Brae Cole of the Grizzlies scored from a high right shot to put Oakland in front early. Cole has accounted for 80% of Oakland’s goals this year with five on the season.
The Grizzlies held the lead for over 20 minutes through the first half, when freshman forward Mia Cleroux nailed a shot right in the middle of the net to tie up the game. It was her second goal of the season.
Neither team was able to find an advantage in the late stages of the first half and into the second half. Both defenses fought hard and ensured there would not be another score.
While this was a nice comeback performance after the tough Louisville loss, Marinaro knows the team will have to improve as the season continues.
“We’re asking for more from our players, and we’re going to need to step up our game in order to be successful in conference,” he said.
The stat sheet was balanced as the Flashes had 15 shots, with eight of them on goal. The Grizzlies had 18 shots, eight on goal. KSU had six corner kicks compared to Oakland’s four. The fouls were exactly even at 12 for both teams.
“Our decision making in moments needs to be a lot cleaner and we’re just not playing with a lot of confidence right now,” Marinaro said. “We made some mistakes that ended up costing us a goal, and if we want to be successful, we just can’t be making some of the mistakes that we’re making.”
Junior goalie Leah Shaffer had eight saves throughout the game. In the second half, KSU outshot Oakland by three shots. KSU also had three offsides in the second half of play. By the final whistle, both teams received a yellow card.
“We had some opportunities and we just didn’t get the final product out of some of the moments,” Marinaro said.
UP NEXT
The Flashes will take on their first Mid-American Conference foe Sunday 1 p.m. at Bowling Green. The Falcons will enter the match at 5-1-1 coming off a win over Duquesne.
“We’re going to take a look at everything this week,” Marinaro said. “We’re just not getting the results that we need and we’re not getting that final push.”
Emily Bezjak is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected]
