The Kent State soccer team’s defense shined again in a hard fought game and took home the 1-0 win against the Northern Illinois Huskies on Senior Day Sunday.
The Flashes put up a great defensive effort to keep the Huskies scoreless. The Flashes moved to 7-4-4 overall and 5-2-1 in Mid-American conference play.
It’s the Flashes third shut out of the season and third win in a row.
“The team really stepped up today. The game was very physical, and they kept to their game,” coach Marinaro said. “They had a very strong game today.”
In the first half, neither team could generate any offense to create scoring opportunities. Both teams played hard, physical defense to keep the game scoreless in the beginning. The first half was rather chippy, as Northern Illinois put up 10 fouls just within the first 45 minutes of play.
“A great team win today with everyone giving their best,” Marinaro said. “Leah Shaffer and our defense with another shutout today is impressive.”
The stat sheet favored the Flashes. KSU had a total of 14 shots while only three of them made it to the net. The Huskies had only six shots while five were on net. The Flashes had four corner kicks while the Huskies managed three. Lastly, the Flashes kept the fouls down, only having seven as the Huskies had 15.
“We stepped up to the physical game, and we were strong on and off the ball,” Marinaro said.
In a recurring theme this season, the second half is where the Flashes picked up the pace. In the 67th minute of play, junior forward Kiyomi McCausland nailed a penalty shot to put the Flashes up 1-0. This was McCausland’s first goal of the season. The Flashes kept up the lock-down defense to hold the Huskies scoreless throughout the rest of the half.
“Players did a great job in the second half to play around them in the midfield and keep breaking the defensive line,” Marinaro said.
Junior goalie Leah Shaffer had five saves while NIU managed two.
The seniors were recognized today, as it was Senior Day at Zoeller Field. Defenseman Savannah Holmes, midfielder Julia Kempf, midfielder Taylor English, defenseman Abby Breitschuh, goalkeeper Morgan Flippin and defenseman Kelsey Salopek.
“This senior group is a wonderful group of young ladies that have built a family environment that really cares for everyone,” Marinaro said. “We are so grateful for their leadership this year and grateful for the legacy they have left.”
UP NEXT
The Flashes head back on the road to take on the Central Michigan Chippewas. The game is set to start on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. The Chippewas are 0-12-2 (0-6-1) on the season coming off a 0-1 loss to the Buffalo Bulls on Sunday.
“Our toughness today and our ability to possess is what we need to keep as our strength for next game,” Marinaro said.
Emily Bezjak is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].