After capturing their first win of the season a week ago, the Kent State women’s soccer team fell to the Butler Bulldogs 2-1 on the road after a late goal in minute 80. 

A foul in minute nine by senior Maddie LaVigna set up a penalty kick for Butler sophomore Anja Savich. Savich scored to put the Bulldogs up 1-0. The Flashes had 17 fouls called on them. The Bulldogs only had 9 fouls called on them.

The Flashes were “disorganized” everywhere in the beginning of the game said coach Rob Marinaro, whose team is now 1-4-1 on the season.

Both teams had about equal possession time in the first half as the Flashes were on the offensive attack late in the period. Just before the end of the half, Kent responded to Butler’s early goal in minute 41 with defender Tianna Harris scoring her first goal of the season. In the past, Kent has stressed set pieces, and today was no different.

“We got one today with great service from Karly on the assist,” Marinaro said. “When you create opportunities off set pieces it creates offense all around, and that includes corner kicks.”

The Flashes went into the second half outshooting the Bulldogs, and ultimately ended up outshooting them 11-9 for the entire game. Butler improves to 5-3. Kent State now has another week to evaluate itself before a match, as the players head to Youngstown to face in-region opponent Youngstown State (2-5-1) on Sep. 22. MAC play begins Sep. 27 at Western Michigan. 

Marinaro feels the two weeks off are good for his team. 

“We’ve played physical games recently so this time off is nice as we prepare for conference play,” Marinaro said.

Junior midfielder Vital Kats continues to have a slow start to her junior season. The former MAC freshman of the year, and first team all-conference member in 2018 still has yet to score a goal this season. 

Marinaro articulated on her performance up to this point as conference play looms. 

“We need to find a rhythm were we need to get her the ball more,” he said. “But she needs to let the game come to her.” 

Flashes take on the Penguins of Youngstown State at 1:00 p.m this upcoming Sunday before they head to Kalamazoo, Michigan to open up conference play Sep. 27 against Western Michigan at 4:00 p.m.

Contact Dante Centofanti at [email protected].