Kent State University
University of Colorado
Kent State Defeats Colorado; Wins UNLV Nike Invitational
8/31/2014 7:51:00 PM | Women's Soccer
LAS VEGAS, Nev. - Freshman Karli Paracca (Valencia, Pa.) scored her second game-winning goal of the weekend when she netted one in the 85th minute to lead the Kent State women's soccer team a 1-0 victory over Colorado on Johann Field this afternoon. Colorado, ranked No. 24 in the nation by TopDrawerSoccer, is coming off a spectacular 2013 season where the Buffaloes made an appearance in the NCAA Sweet 16. The win improves the Golden Flashes to 3-1-0, and earned the squad a UNLV Nike Invitational title for their 2-0 performance this weekend, while handing Colorado (3-1-0) its first loss of the year.
Paracca was named the UNLV Nike Invitational Most Outstanding Player, while sophomore Jenna Hellstrom (Sudbury, Ontario) earned Outstanding Defender honors and junior Stephanie Senn (Grand Island, N.Y.) received Outstanding Goalkeeper recognition. Hellstrom, and Senn were also named to the All-Tournament Team.
"I am really proud of the effort and the commitment this weekend," said Head Coach Rob Marinaro. "Playing in over 100-degree weather and accepting the challenge is something we can continue to build on."
Senn, who earned her third shutout of the season, was tested in the 25th minute when she stopped a shot from Colorado's Tori Cooper. She picked up her second and final save of the first period just 12 minutes later on another shot by Cooper to keep the Buffaloes off the board.
Colorado edged Kent State 6-5 in shots in the first half, as goalkeeper Kate Scheele did not tally any saves. The Buffaloes out-shot the Golden Flashes 6-4 in the final period, and Scheele posted three saves.
Senn was busy in the second period, sending away four Colorado shots on goal, including the first coming just two minutes into the half. Just when it would seem the game would head into an overtime period, Hellstrom broke through the box and fired a shot at Scheele. Scheele saved the ball from going in, but the ball bounced back into play and to Paracca, who put it past Scheele and into the net.
Kent State was outshot 12-9, but led 5-2 in corner kicks in the 90-minute game. Senn finished the night with six saves, while Scheele recorded three.
Paracca now leads the Golden Flashes in scoring with four points (2g), and Hellstrom earned her second assist of the season.
Kent State will be back in action at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 7 at Cleveland State. Then, the following Sunday (Sept. 14), the Golden Flashes will travel for a 1 p.m. game at the University of Louisville.
