The Kent State soccer team faces the Buffalo Bulls and the Akron Zips this weekend.

After splitting the past weekend with a win and a loss, the Flashes are looking to improve its Mid-American Conference standing with two victories against the Bulls and Zips. The women’s soccer team has an overall record of 6-3-2 and is 1-2-1 in the MAC.

“I think this weekend is very crucial for us. We need to come out and get two wins. So I think everyone understands the importance,” junior Jessacca Gironda said. “Both teams are on the east side of the MAC, and we know we need to come out this weekend and get results.”

The Bulls are 0-3-1 in conference play and have an overall 2-8-2 record this season. Buffalo took Northern Illinois into overtime and forced a 1-1 draw. The Flashes will play the Bulls at 4 p.m. at Zoeller Field.

“Buffalo’s a strong, athletic team that will look to come and put a lot of pressure on us so we’ve got to play well under pressure and look to take the game to them,” head coach Rob Marinaro said.

The Flashes will play the Zips in a PNC Wagon Wheel Challenge game Sunday at the University of Akron. The Zips are 0-4 in the MAC and 4-7-0 overall. Before facing the Flashes, the Zips will play against Ohio on Friday.

“I think everyone is more focused and ready to go because we know it’s very crucial and we need this weekend,” Gironda said.

Contact Erika Brun at [email protected].