Kent State soccer looking for important wins this weekend
Junior midfielder Madison Helterbran attempts to score during the game against the University of Akron on Sunday, September 28, 2014. The Flashes won against the Zips 3-0.
October 15, 2014
The Kent State soccer team (7-4-3) will continue the Mid American Conference portion of its schedule this weekend as the Flashes travel to Eastern Michigan University and Bowling Green State University this Friday and Sunday, respectively.
Last weekend, the Flashes hosted Miami University in a 1-1 nail-biting tie, but lost to Ball State the following Sunday 0-1.
Although Kent State has only won one of its last four games, its worst deficit for the entire season has only been two points in a 2-0 shutout against University at Buffalo, the team currently sitting atop the Eastern division.
The Flashes sit in third place in the conference with a 2-2-2 record in conference play. In front of Kent State are Miami (4-1-1) and University at Buffalo (4-0-2).
Sophomore forward Jenna Hellstrom leads Kent State with 15 points and five goals. Her attribution to the Flashes’ success has been the team’s chemistry.
“Our back line is playing great together — we’re playing really hard,” Hellstrom said. “Everywhere on the field, we’re working for each other, we’re fighting for each other on the field and our goal keeper has been doing well keeping the ball out of the net and defense has collectively done really well, and I think that will continue.”
Overall, Kent State is competing in key matchups and fighting for a place in the top of the MAC Eastern division.
“How we’ve been playing as a team has improved every game,” Hellstrom said. “We’ve been playing really well together from goalkeeper to forwards. We’ve been really possessing the ball well, and it’s all about doing it as a team.”
Friday’s game at Eastern Michigan will begin at 4 p.m. and Sunday’s game against Buffalo is set to start at 1 p.m.
Following practice on Wednesday, Hellstrom said that the team has been working on a few adjustments before this weekend’s games.
“Communicating as a team, we have to improve on,” Hellstrom said. “I think everything else has to do with our game plan, and what we know works for us. If we do that, then we’ll definitely come up with the W.”
Contact Alex Klukaszewski at [email protected].
