Kent State University
8-4-1, 4-1-0MAC
University of Akron
1-10-2, 0-4-1MAC
Flashes Shine in Dominating Wagon Wheel Challenge Victory over Akron
10/5/2017 10:14:00 PM | Women's Soccer
KENT, Ohio – The Kent State soccer team (8-4-1, 4-1-0 MAC) came out firing on all cylinders and never looked back in its 3-0 win against Akron (1-10-2, 0-4-1 MAC). The Golden Flashes have now won seven consecutive matches against the Zips, and are in first place in the Mid-American Conference East Divison.
"I was really pleased with the way we came out with a lot of high energy and we played excellent soccer," said head coach Rob Marinaro. "It is one of the strongest starts that Kent State has had in the MAC, and it was all around a great performance."
Kent State got on the scoreboard early and often, as Isabelle Mihail scored the night's first goal in the 17th minute. She received a pass from Karli Paracca 15 yards out and beat the Zips keeper on a low shot to the right side. It is Mihail's third goal of the season, and second in the last week. Paracca was credited with her team-leading third assist of the year.
"I'm really glad that I can help out the team as much as I can," said Mihail. "That goal came from the entire team. Karli (Paracca) found me and put the ball right at my foot, and I just finished it for the team."
In the 50th minute, Kristen Brots found the back of the net to extend Kent State's lead to, 2-0. She received the ball in open space 10 yards directly in front of the goal, and delivered for her first goal of the year. Paige Culver and Vital Kats registered assists, with Kats adding to her team-leading 11 points.
The Flashes capped off the night with their third goal in the 52nd minute, when Sierra Henderson-Muschett scored on a corner kick five yard out. Kristen Brots tallied her third point of the night, and Paige Culver her second assist.
The Kent State offense was causing havoc for Zips defenders all night long by putting up 18 shots. Thirteen different Golden Flashes fired a shot as the offense distributed the ball efficiently.
With the shutout, Kent State's has seven on the year which leads the MAC, and has not allowed a multi-goal game in over a month since Sept. 2.
"Our team defense and effort have really been producing great results," said Marinaro. "You have to give tons of credit to the back four and our goalkeeping, but I'm very pleased with the entire team's defense."
Ashleah McDonald faced 12 Akron shots, and made three saves, and is now 7-3-1. The Zips' Amani Jiu faced 18 shots and recorded eight saves while allowing three goals.
The Flashes took the lead in the Crystal Clinic Wagon Wheel Challenge, 1.0-0.5, with the season's only soccer match winner receiving one point.
The Golden Flashes finish out the weekend on the road at Buffalo on Sunday, Oct 8 at 12 p.m. for a matchup with the Bulls.
Be sure to follow Kent State Soccer on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for news and in-match updates about the squad.
Team Stats
MIHAIL, Isabelle (3)
Assisted By: PARACCA, Karli
Straight away 15 yards out
17:07
BROTS, Kristen (1)
Assisted By: CULVER, Paige , KATS, Vital
straight away from 10 yards
50:45
HENDERSON-MUSCHETT (2)
Assisted By: BROTS, Kristen , CULVER, Paige
corner kick, straight away from 5 yards
52:17
