Soccer faces Central in MAC semifinals

For the first time since 1998, Kent State soccer will be playing in the Mid-American Conference tournament semifinals today.

The No. 7-seeded Flashes (8-8-4, 5-4-2 MAC) take on No. 6 seed Central Michigan (7-9-3, 5-4-2 MAC) at 11 a.m. in Bowling Green, Ohio.

The Flashes advanced to the semifinals after 120 minutes of scoreless play resulted in a shootout at Ball State Tuesday. The Flashes were able to edge Ball State, 3-1 with junior goalkeeper Alicia Fernandez blocking Ball State’s final attempt to seal the win.

Fernandez recorded her second shutout of the season on Tuesday also, tying the lead for all-time shutouts at 10.

In the past two seasons, the Flashes were bounced out of the MAC tournament in the first round at home.

Central is coming off of a big win over No. 3 seed Western Michigan. The Chippewas were able to squeak by the Broncos in a 1-0 victory.

If the Flashes are able to post a win over the Chippewas, the Flashes will take on the winner of the contest between No. 1 seed Bowling Green and No. 4 seed Miami. Bowling Green, who claimed regular season MAC title, and Miami play at 2 p.m. today.

-Kali Price