Soccer ties two in Michigan road trip

Carly Evans

Both of the Flashes soccer games this weekend went into overtime, and both times they were unable to get the win. The Kent State women’s soccer team tied Central Michigan University 1-1 Friday and Eastern Michigan University 0-0 Sunday.

Junior defender Jaime Eiben was able to put the Flashes up Friday in the 60th minute on her first goal of the season. She was able to launch a ball into the back of the net from 25 yards out after the ball deflected after a free kick.

Central Michigan responded quickly with a goal in the 64th minute that would ultimately send the game to overtime. Neither team was able to come out on top.

In Sunday’s game, the Flashes had 14 shots — six which were on goal but weren’t able to find the back of the net. Sophomore goalkeeper Ashleah McDonald kept the Eagles scoreless with her fourth shutout of the season.

“I think we’re a little disappointed that we didn’t pick up three points on the road,” head coach Rob Marinaro said. “It was a very tough weekend against two very good teams. To come away with a point in each game is something we’ll take and look forward to Thursday’s game.”

It’s rare for the Flashes to have low-scoring games. Over the course of the season, they’ve averaged close to two goals per game, the most being five.

“Both teams this weekend focused a little bit more defensively,” Marinaro said. “We have to just continue working on our game, continue to build our offense and look at different ways to break down opponent’s defense.”

Despite the lack of results on offense, the Flashes can continue to look at their defense as a strength for the team. They held their opponents to 14 shots this weekend opposed to Kent State’s 37.

The Flashes play Miami University (OH) on Thursday, who is second place in the MAC East Division.

“We have to get into a certain mentality starting with practice on Tuesday,” senior forward Jenna Hellstrom said. “Then focus on having a good warm up before the game on Thursday and then focus on the first 45 minutes.”

The Flashes haven’t lost a match since August, and have moved to 10-1-2 overall. They are still unbeaten in the MAC at 6-0-2.

Kent State will play Miami at 4 p.m. on Thursday at Dix Stadium.

Carly Evans is a sports reporter, contact her at [email protected].