Kent State University
Miami University
Soccer Hosts Miami in Pivotal MAC East Match
10/19/2016 2:34:00 PM | Women's Soccer
Kent State soccer welcomes the Miami Redhawks to Dix Stadium on Thursday at 4 p.m., a match that features the MAC East's top-two teams with three matches remaining this season.
The Golden Flashes (10-1-2, 6-0-2 MAC) are still atop the MAC East riding a 12 match unbeaten streak that dates back to Aug. 21. In two matches last week, Kent State played a total of 220 minutes as they tied with Central Michigan (1-1) and Eastern Michigan (0-0).
Sophomore goalie Ashleah McDonald made three saves against Eastern Michigan, including one in the first overtime period to earn her fourth shutout of the season.
In the match with the Chippewas, junior Jaime Eiben netted her first goal of the season and third of her career on a bustling shot from 25 yards out in the second half.
RANKING THE GOLDEN FLASHES
• The Golden Flashes' record of 10-1-2 puts them ninth in the nation in win-loss-tie percentage at (0.846).
• Kent State is first the MAC in goals per game (1.92) and goals allowed (9), while ranking second in the conference in assists per game (1.38) and goals against average (0.68).
• Jenna Hellstrom ranks fifth in the nation in assists per game and sixth in points per game (2.15). Hellstrom leads the MAC with eight assists.
• Ashleah McDonald's 0.77 goals against average is third-best in the MAC.
• Donavan Capehart is tied for fifth in the MAC in game-winning goals with three and is also tied for eighth in goals with five.
THE MATCHUP
• The Golden Flashes are 6-12-3 all-time against the Redhawks but are 4-4-3 when facing Miami at home. Last season, Kent State hosted Miami in the MAC Tournament quarterfinals, with the match ending in a 0-0 tie but the Redhawks advanced on penalty kicks.
• Miami enters Thursday's match with a record of 8-5-2 (5-1-2 MAC) putting them second in the MAC East behind Kent State.
• The Redhawks are unbeaten in their last five matches coming off a 0-0 tie with Bowling Green on Oct. 16.
• Goalies Vic Miniaci and Patricia Koutoulas have combined for 94 saves this season to lead the MAC and have a combined seven shutouts, the second-most in the conference.
• Freshman forward Olivia Winnett leads the Redhawks this season with three goals and one assist.
UP NEXT
Following their match with Miami on Thursday, the Golden Flashes will host a "Kick for the Cure" match against Ball State on Sunday at 1 p.m. inside Dix Stadium. Kent State soccer is partnering with the Kent State gymnastics team to run the event. The gymnastics team will be selling t-shirts during Thursday's match with Miami, as well as Sunday's match with Ball State with proceeds benefitting the COSA Comprehensive Brest Center – COSA CARES program.
