The Kent State soccer team lost 1-0 to Eastern Michigan for its last regular season away game. This win for the Eagles marks an undefeated season at home for them.

“It just seemed like the energy was a little low,” coach Rob Marinaro said. “We didn’t take advantage of the opportunity that we had in front of us, and it’s obviously really disappointing. Execution wasn’t there, and team defense was really lacking.”

This game marked Eastern Michigan’s first win in three weeks, and Kent State’s first loss in nearly three weeks. 

KSU is now 7-6-3 overall and 4-4-2 in the Mid-American Conference while Eastern Michigan is 6-6-5 overall and 2-3-5 in the MAC.

The breakdown 

Eastern Michigan scored in the first five minutes of the game. Kent State attempted to tie the score before halftime but was unsuccessful. 

“I thought we possessed the ball pretty well in certain moments, and for certain individuals, I thought our work rate was pretty high,” Marinaro said.   “The execution of our passes and creating opportunities just wasn’t on for the day.”

The Flashes tried to crack the Eagles’ defense, but could not break through.

“I’m just disappointed in the overall effort that we got,” Marinaro said. “We need to do a lot better, but we’ll regroup and come and attack again on Thursday.”

Late in the game, a fantastic head-up defensive play prevented an EMU goal and kept KSU in the game with only a one goal deficit.

Kent State fell short in shots (12-9), shots on goal (6-5), and corner kick opportunities (9-4). 

Senior midfielder Alisa Arthur had four total shots and two shots on goal, which was the most for the Flashes. 

“She was asked to do an awful lot yesterday, and she took it upon herself to try and create a lot of offense,” Marinaro said. “But we need all 11 players to step up and contribute.”

Senior goalkeeper Heidi Marshall came off a shutout in the previous game with a four-save effort.

“She kept us in the game, and the goal that they scored, she almost made that save, but unfortunately, she didn’t quite get there,” Marinaro said. “She gave us a lot of stability in the back and gave the defense a lot of confidence.”

Up next 

Kent State will compete against Bowling Green Thursday at 3 p.m. for its last regular season game. 

The Flashes have won the last two games against the Falcons, the most recent matchup was last October, and the final score was 2-0. 

Bowling Green is 7-5-4 overall, and 4-3-3 in the MAC. They are in fourth place overall while KSU is in seventh. 

Six teams make it to the MAC playoffs, so Kent State is the first team out with one more game to go.

With a three-way tie and only two spots available, there are some ways KSU can make the playoffs:

• Kent State wins and EITHER Miami University (OH) loses/ties to Ohio University OR Northern Illinois loses/ties to Western Michigan.
• Kent State ties against Bowling Green and EITHER Miami loses to OU OR Northern Illinois loses to WMU.

“It’s time to compete,” Marinaro said. “At this point, either you step up or your season’s over. So, we have to step up to the opportunity and absolutely give it our very best.”

Emily Lowen is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].