The Kent State women’s soccer team lost 3-1 to Ohio University on Thursday at Dix Stadium. 

This was KSU’s second loss of the season and first at home.

Kent State was down three goals when junior Tianna Harris scored her first goal of the season and the only goal for the team off a throw-in 76 minutes into the game.

“It is very unsatisfying. I tried to get our momentum back, but at the end of the day, the result did not end up as we wanted,” Harris said. “Realistically, the goal means nothing to me.”

The Flashes conceded the first goal five minutes into the second half, and by 27 minutes, they had given up two, leaving the Flashes down 2-0 at halftime. Around 62 minutes into the second half, Ohio University scored its third goal.

The team lacked challenges and strength inside the 18-yard box, and they needed to bounce back, coach Rob Marinaro said. 

“We started the game too slow, and the players did not put much energy,” Marinaro said. “To start a game and go down 2-0 in 27 minutes into the game is just not accepted and very hard to battle back.” 

Marinaro said the loss had weakened the team spirit, but the team can learn from it and do better. 

“I think we played in spurts today, and the team is down a little bit right now,” Marinaro said. “The most important thing now is to bring the spirit back and get some positive energy into this team.”

The Flashes recorded six shots on goal, five corner kicks, one yellow card, 15 fouls and one offside penalty while Ohio University had six shots on goal, four corners, 14 fouls, two yellow cards and one offside.   

“We will bounce back, and our team needs to be a little bit more intense,” Marinaro said. 

The Flashes play the Falcons Sunday at Bowling Green State University.

Ignatius is a sportswriter. Contact him at [email protected].