The Kent State women’s soccer team returned to Zoeller Field and took a 2-1 victory over the University of Massachusetts Friday.

The win over UMass also made Coach Rob Marinaro the winningest women’s soccer coach in all of Mid-American Conference history.

“It’s a really nice accomplishment, but it is a celebration of all the amazing people that have been with our program,” Marinaro said. “The coaches and student athletes have been the ones that have done the work; I am just grateful to have been a part of their college careers.”

THE BREAKDOWN

In the first half of the game, the Flashes kept a steady pace and had lockdown defense to keep UMass from scoring. The Flashes started fast in the 21st minute of the game with junior midfielder Samantha Miller nailing a high right shot unassisted to give the Flashes the upper hand. 

It was Miller’s third goal of the season. 

“The forwards have been working so hard to create our opportunities, and it’s nice to see them get it started,” Marinaro said.

In the second half of play, the Flashes kept up the pressure against UMass. In the 66th minute, senior defender Kelsey Salopek nailed a shot in the left corner to put the Flashes up 2-0. This was Salopek’s fourth goal of the season. 

“Leading the way is Kelsey Salopek with another game-winning goal and shut-down defending,” Marinaro said. “Kelsey deserves a lot of accolades because she is a selfless player that pours it all out for her team.”

Junior forward Josie Morgan fouled UMass sophomore forward Morgan Bellamy; as a result, UMass received a penalty kick in the 80th minute and nailed it, putting the team on the board. 

The Flashes’ defense was able to hold strong and secure the 2-1 victory. For the team, it’s the first win streak of the season. It was also the team’s first time eclipsing more than one goal since Aug. 28 against Youngstown State University. 

“I thought it was a very hard-fought win today. The team has stepped up to a higher compete level,” Marinaro said.

The stat sheet remained fair even as the Flashes had the slight upper hand in some categories. The Flashes had 12 shots, with five of them being on net, while UMass had nine shots, with four of them being on net. Fouls remained even as KSU had seven while UMass had six. Neither team had any assists or offsides. 

Junior goalie Leah Shaffer remained solid on net, as she only allowed one goal and had three saves in the match. 

UP NEXT 

The Flashes will continue conference play against the Buffalo Bulls at Zoeller Field Sunday. The Flashes enter the game at 4-3-3 (2-1). The Bulls are 6-2-1 (2-1) on the season so far, most recently defeating Ball State 2-1 Thursday. 

“We take it one game at a time and just look to get better every game,” Marinaro said. 

Emily Bezjak is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].