It took until the 68th minute, but the Kent State soccer team was finally able to get on top of Duquesne and hold on for a 1-0 and improve to 5-2 on the season Sunday afternoon.

“Defensively we had a really nice game, our back four was really strong and Kelly Sherwood came up with some crucial saves for us,” said Kent State Coach Rob Marinaro. “The rest of the girls worked really hard. Offensively we created chances and came out with a positive result.”

This is the second straight win for the Flashes after routing Youngstown State 6-1 on Friday. Sunday’s victory marks the third 1-0 victory for the Flashes this season and the 11th career shutout for senior goalie Kelly Sherwood.

“At this point she (Sherwood) has become fantastic at managing games and understanding crucial moments, coming forward with the right effort and perfoming in a positive manor,” Marinaro said.

Freshman Stephanie Haugh broke the scoreless tie in the second half for her second straight game with a goal. On Friday, Haugh scored her first goal as a member of the Flashes.

Sophomore Megan Jackson found Haugh for the assist and her second straight game with an assist for the Flashes.

“We did a nice job of winning the ball in the midfield. Megan Jackson won one and put a nice through ball to Steph,” Marinaro said. “Stephanie did a nice job of taking her defender one on one and ripped a fantastic shot off near post that I don’t think the goalie really expected it.”

The Flashes did have their chances in both halves of the game by letting loose a total of 13 shots, five of which were on goal. Sophomore Jaclyn Dutton led the Flashes with three shots; all of which were on goal.

Struggling early, and often with penalties, the Flashes had a total of 13 penalties on the afternoon to the Dukes’ three. Fortunate for the Flashes, the turnovers did not result in any points for the Dukes.

“It’s a road game and you have to perform with what they are giving you,” Marinaro said. “13-to-3 we were penalized a lot more than Duquesne was, but you know what, the team stayed strong mentally and focused and look forward to coming through with positive results.”

The Flashes will host IUPUI on Friday for their final non-conference game before starting MAC play at home against Miami on Sept. 23. 

Contact Matt Lofgren at [email protected].