The Kent State soccer team’s offense struggled once again in a 1-1 tie against Eastern Michigan Thursday. The Flashes are now 4-4-4 (2-2-1) on the season.
Despite just one goal on the evening, the Flashes had the fourth-most shots in program history with 31. KSU outshot the Eagles by 28 shots, but redshirt junior Eastern Michigan goalie Ella Holland was electric with 20 saves on the day.
“I thought we worked really hard on the day and had great moments in possession,” Coach Rob Marinaro said. “On the offense, we created a lot more opportunities, but we just didn’t capitalize the way we needed.”
THE BREAKDOWN
The first half was a scoreless shutout as both teams were unable to create any scoring opportunities. Both teams played intense, locked-down defense to keep the game scoreless. Sophomore forward/midfielder Addy Cusick received a yellow card in the 42nd minute of the match.
As the first half came to a close, the Flashes outshot the Eagles 10-2.
Both teams continued to apply defensive pressure in the second half, but it was the Flashes who maintained ball control and pace, as the team took 21 shots in the second half.
However, in the 69th minute, senior Eastern Michigan midfielder Hannah Thompson scored a goal assisted by junior defender Rosalie Takacsy to put the Eagles on the board. It was Eastern Michigan’s first and only shot of the second half.
“Team defense was solid all night, but we gave up a set-piece goal that should’ve been defended much better,” Marinaro said.
Just six seconds later, junior midfielder Samantha Miller scored a clutch unassisted goal to tie the game. She had seven of the team’s shots on goal, and it was her fourth goal of the season.
“I was very pleased with everyone’s play,” Marinaro said. “Samantha Miller scored a fantastic goal to tie it up for us. It was a wonderful response.”
The Flashes continued to control the pacing and keep the opponent’s net busy, but nothing struck to give the team the lead.
The Flashes dominated the stat sheet, but it did not reflect the final score. The Flashes had 31 shots, and 21 of them were on goal. Eastern Michigan only had three shots and all of them made it on net. KSU also dominated the corner kicks with seven on the match, while the Eagles had zero. The Eagles had 20 saves on the night, which was not only an Eastern Michigan program record, but also tied a Mid-American Conference held by former KSU goalie Cherie Brusky in 1997.
Junior goalie Leah Shaffer had two saves on the night.
UP NEXT
The Flashes head to the school down the road at 1:00 p.m. Sunday to face the Akron Zips. The Flashes hold an all-time record of 27-3. The Zips are 3-5-3 (0-3-2) on the season and lost their most recent match to the Buffalo Bulls on Thursday.
“I know they are a big rivalry, but we need to keep focusing on us getting better,” Marinaro said. “We will look to create the same kind of chances as we did last night, but we’ll give a bit more in the box to get a final product in scoring.”
Emily Bezjak is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].
