Junior midfielder Amy Kessler dribbles the ball downfield during Kent State’s 4-3 win over St. Bonaventure Friday. The double-overtime win brought the team’s record to 3-4-1. ELIZABETH MYERS | DAILY KENT STATER

Credit: Jason Hall

It was a busy weekend for the Kent State soccer team, which split the weekend’s games.

The team managed a win Friday against St. Bonaventure at home, but fell on the road to the Pittsburgh Panthers yesterday afternoon 1-0.

A golden goal by junior midfielder/forward Lisa Kurz in the waning minutes of the second overtime lifted Kent State over St. Bonaventure 4-3 Friday.

“It felt good to score, but as a team we just try and concentrate, apply pressure, and work hard – especially with conference play coming up,” Kurz said.

The Flashes, who never trailed in the contest, out-shot the Bonnies 40-12 and controlled the ball for much of the first half. Despite the distinct advantage, St. Bonaventure battled back into the game twice in the second half.

The first goal of the game came from a very unlikely source. Senior defenseman Britt Laing, playing in her 68th career game, scored the first goal of her career and it came off a shot and rebound from junior midfielder/forward Brittany Fracasso.

“That goal was really special for me,” Laing said. “Things just seemed to open up for me and I had a good look on goal.”

Christine Nasca answered for the Bonnies. After receiving the ball from a cross, Nasca, falling backward, floated the shot over Kent State senior goalie Alicia Fernandez for the equalizer.

The goal gave St. Bonaventure the momentum for the rest of the half, but Kent State came out strong in the second half.

“It’s extremely important to keep up the intensity because one let down and anything can happen,” Kurz said.

Less than a minute into the second half, Kent State struck again.

Senior midfielder/forward Danie Irwin received the ball from a long throw-in, controlled the ball, danced around the goalkeeper and a defender, and placed the ball in the back of the net for the lead.

Sophomore midfielder Brittany Dougherty also scored in the second half. It was her first career goal.

Despite the two-goal advantage, Kent State almost squandered the game away. Less than two minutes later, Kerry O’Malley took charge. In a one-on-one situation, O’Malley was able to beat Fernandez for St. Bonaventure’s second goal.

The Bonnies tied the game with less than two minutes to play in regulation. The opposing bench erupted as St. Bonaventure defender Katelyn Shelofsky put in the equalizer off a crossed ball.

Friday’s overtime match was the fourth of the year.

“Conditioning and endurance are very important, its’ all about heart and effort, and winning every 50-50 ball,” Laing said.

Yesterday, Kent State lost to Big East opponent Pittsburgh. The Flashes were shut down by Pittsburgh, who managed only three shots. Pittsburgh defender Carli Brill scored the lone goal in the 28th minute of the first half. It was the first meeting between the two schools.

With the win, the Panthers improve to 5-2-1, and with the loss the Flashes drop to 3-4-1 overall.

Both teams begin conference play this week. The Flashes are on the road at Ball State Friday.

Contact soccer reporter Steve Voicik at [email protected].