The Kent State soccer team fell to Northern Illinois (6-6-3) in Dix Stadium, 2-1. 

The Flashes conceded an own goal in the 23rd minute and could not get back in the game.

“When you don’t compete for 90 minutes, you allow teams to come into your house and take 3 points from you,” coach Rob Marinaro said. “It was not good enough on our end.”

The Huskies took a halftime lead of 1-0, but Kent State showed signs of life when freshman midfielder Alanna Raimondo drew a penalty that earned a penalty kick. 

Senior defender Dalaney Ranallo took the penalty kick but missed it wide left. 

After the miss in the 57th minute, Northern Illinois tacked on another goal to extend their lead to 2-0. 

This was the third time KSU opponents have scored two or more goals in a game this season.

The Flashes had to turn up the offensive pressure, which resulted in sophomore

forward Mary Kate Lape drawing another penalty kick in the 73rd minute. 

This time, senior midfielder Giulia Giovinazzi fired the shot past the keeper for her first goal of the season. 

Kent State battled to find an equalizer in the final 17 minutes, but the Northern Illinois defense held strong.

The Flashes had 11 shots and eight shots on goal; the Huskies totaled 12 shots, with six on goal.

Despite the loss, Kent State still stands in fourth place in the conference despite an 8-5-2 overall record and 5-3 in the conference. 

Coach Marinaro had a message for his team with only three games remaining in the regular season.

“Commitment to good decision making and doing what the team needs you to do,” he said. “You put the Kent State jersey on, ready to battle.”

Next, the Flashes will stay home for a matchup with conference-leading Western Michigan (9-3-3,

5-0-3) Thursday at 7 p.m.

Since 2018, KSU is 1-2-1 against the Broncos. 

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