Flashes soccer team gains momentum going into crucial game

The Kent State women’s soccer team split the weekend with a loss to the Northern Illinois Huskies and a win against the University of Toledo Rockets.

On Friday, the Flashes four game-winning streak ended after a 1-0 loss to Northern Illinois. The Huskies scored the games lone goal in the 71st minute.

“We just weren’t able to put them away,” junior Jessacca Gironda said. “We had way more shots than them and they put the one good opportunity they had in the back of the net and we didn’t so that’s the game.”

Kent State held the advantage in shots 18-5 against the Huskies, with 9-2 shots on goal.

The Golden Flashes defeated Toledo 2-1 on Sunday.

“I think we played really well in spurts,” head coach Robert Marinaro said. “I think we still need to settle our game down and play a little bit more to our strengths but they did a very good job today and it’s a big win against Toledo.”

Kent State scored first in the 53rd minute from sophomore Stephanie Haugh, her 6th goal of the season. Senior Hannah Newhouse sent a free kick from the right side to Haugh who headed in the goal.

Toledo equalized the score in the 58th minute with a penalty kick goal. Marinaro said the intensity level increased when the game was tied but Kent continued to control the game.

Freshman Madison Helterbran scored the winning goal off a corner kick from the left side in the 82nd minute with an assist from junior Jaclyn Dutton. This was Helterbran’s second goal of the season.

“It’s great to see anybody score on our team,” said Dutton. “We’re here to get the win it doesn’t matter who’s putting the ball in the net as long as we come out with the win. Its a great team effort.”

The Golden Flashes will face Ohio on Thursday, Oct. 25 at 3 p.m. at Zoeller Field. With a win Thursday, the Flashes would clinch a first-round home game in the Mid-American Conference tournament.

Contact Erika Brun at [email protected].