Coming out of halftime Sunday, the Kent State soccer team saw an opportunity to score on its best chance of the night against the Ohio University Bobcats, but the shot was halted by the opposing goalie.
Sophomore midfielder Alanna Raimondo kicked a long ball to senior midfielder Alisa Arthur who beat the defenders, but she could not beat the final defender – the Ohio goalie.
Freshman forward Jules Dolinski got the rebound, but the shot was saved to keep the ball out of the net.
After losing 1-0 to Miami earlier in the week, the Flashes came into the game looking to put in a stronger 90 minutes.
“I thought the team was extremely focused, worked very hard and I was super proud of the coaching staff also,” coach Rob Marinaro said.
While KSU improved on its game from last time, neither team was able to score, ending the game in a tie 0-0.
“I think everybody played really well because it took a whole team effort to get the job done yesterday, and they really put a great effort forward,” Marinaro said. “That’s what we’re going to need to be successful.”
Kent State has only been in two ties this season – only Ball State has less ties.
The Flashes are now 24-16 all time against the Bobcats, with four ties.
“There was a strong discipline, and playing each role needed to be done well,” Marinaro said. “They did that yesterday.”
KSU’s defense had another strong game, as the defense has allowed only one goal in the team’s last 360 minutes.
“The team defense was fantastic,” Marinaro said. “The back four was excellent, and then when Heidi needed, Heidi came up with a few real big saves to keep us in the game.”
The Flashes stand at 5-3-2 overall, and 2-1-1 in the conference following the tie against Ohio. Kent State is in a three-way tie for second place in the Mid-American Conference.
The breakdown
Ohio University attempted five shots in the first 10 minutes before the Flashes could put up a shot themselves, but all OU shots were stopped by senior goalkeeper Heidi Marshall.
“Team defense is, again, extremely important for that result,” Marinaro said. “We can capitalize on our chances. We will continue to work on the final third, productivity, and in scoring.”
While both teams had opportunities to score in the first 45 minutes, neither side could find the net and break the tie.
“Ohio’s doing extremely well right now, and for us to get a point there without giving up a goal was really important for us,” Marinaro said.
Both teams traded shots during the second period, but failed to convert any.
During the final minutes of the game, Ohio took a shot on goal that hit the back of the net. The goal would have won the team the game, but the officials ruled the Bobcat attacker offside.
“The team discipline was excellent,” Marinaro said. “I thought coach Rocky came up with an excellent game plan, and the team really executed extremely well.”
This is the second game in a row, and second game overall where KSU has not scored.
Marshall recorded 4 saves in net on her way to her fourth shutout of the season.
“We’re extremely confident in the group up front, and they’ll get the job done,” Marinaro said.
Up next
KSU will host Western Michigan at home Saturday at Dix Stadium at 6 p.m.
The Flashes are 8-6 against the Broncos all-time with three ties. The last time the two teams played each other in November of 2023, Kent State won 2-1.
Western Michigan is 5-1-1 overall this season, and 2-0-2 in the conference, which puts it in a three-way tie for first place.
The Broncos have won or tied the last seven games.
The Flashes are 3-1 at home, and in the last five games, they have scored three goals while Western Michigan has given up two goals in the last five games.
“We just need to have that last final product, and we’re missing some opportunities that we need to capitalize on, and that’ll come,” Marinaro said.
Emily Lowen is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].
