Salerno?s Overtime Goal Gives Women?s Soccer Third Straight Win
9/13/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - It is commonplace to avoid telling people the bad statistics. But heading into a two-game neutral field series at the Nike Classic hosted by the University of New Mexico, the Kent State women's soccer team had an all-time neutral field record of 2-9-3 dating back to the program's inception in 1997.
But that trend changed this weekend in the Land of Enchantment, as the Golden Flashes posted their second straight neutral field win Sunday with a 1-0 overtime victory over Cal State Northridge. With the win, Kent State posted their third straight win away from home and improved to 4-2-0 on the season. CS Northridge dropped to 3-5-0.
"Defensively, as a team, we were fantastic," said head coach Rob Marinaro. "Cal State Northridge was an athletic team with a lot of individual talent, and we had to defend well today."
Sophomore defender Vanessa Salerno (Etobicoke, Ontario) scored her first career goal in grand style. After gathering a loose ball in the box after winning a foot race with a Matador defender, Salerno one-timed a shot to the far post in the game's 94th minute for the game-deciding strike. Her goal also marked the fifth different goal scorer for the Flashes out of seven goals this season.
Despite being out-shot 17-14 in the tight contest, including an 11-3 discrepancy in the second half, Kent State was the aggressor in the short overtime session, firing three shots in just over three minutes' time.
Kent State's depth on the bench aided the Golden Flashes. Seven reserves logged at least 20 minutes in the game, and only three players needed to play the entire contest.
"We seemed to have some good legs going into overtime, which was really good to see considering we were battling hot weather and altitude," said Marinaro. "It showed in overtime because we were able to put a lot of pressure on them. We played a lot of players today, and it was nice to see a good strong rotation."
Kelly Sherwood (Strongsville, Ohio) posted six of the team's seven saves for her second shutout of the season and fourth of her career. Cal State Northridge's Kellie Drenner made four stops in the loss.
Kent State returns home for a three-game home stand, starting Friday, Sept. 18 against Michigan State. The Golden Flashes will then start Mid-American Conference play Sept. 25 against Ball State.
