The Kent State soccer team conceded a second-half goal that ended their perfect conference record in a 1–0 loss to Miami (OH).

The Flashes drop to 6-3-2 with a 3-1 Mid-American Conference record; they are now second place in the MAC standings behind Bowling Green(5-4-1, 3-0-1).

MU improved to 4-7-1 overall and is in second to last place at 1-3 in the conference. 

Akron is last in the MAC at 2-9.

The RedHawks only had two shots on goal in the first half as Kent State’s defense stifled them. 

Graduate student Sarah Melén is third in the conference with 46 saves. 

The Flashes created scoring chances on offense but could not get past Miami’s freshman goalkeeper Dominique Popa, who tallied five saves in the first half.

On the season, Popa is sixth in the MAC with 37 saves. 

With 30 minutes remaining in the game, Miami broke the tie with a goal from senior forward Haley Anspach. 

Despite the deficit, the Flashes continued to attack as junior forward Alisa Arthur skimmed the crossbar and senior forward Callie Cunningham hit the post, but they could not find an equalizer. 

The RedHawks outshot the Flashes 16-15 and created 11 corner kicks compared to Kent State’s 5.

Next up, Kent State will continue their road trip to face Ball State (4-5-2, 2-0-2) on Thursday at 4 p.m. 

All-time, KSU is 17-16-3 against the Cardinals, losing its last three games played in Muncie, Indiana. 

Matthew Franos is a reporter. Contact him at [email protected].