Kent State University
0-2
Cleveland State University
1-1
Soccer Bested by Cleveland State 2-1 in Home Opener
8/20/2017 4:27:00 PM | Women's Soccer
KENT, Ohio – The Kent State soccer team (0-2-0) dropped its home opener, 2-1, to Cleveland State (1-1-0) on Sunday afternoon at Dix Stadium.
All three combined goals were scored in the first period. The Golden Flashes had opportunities in the second half, but could not find the back of the net. Kent State's lone goal occurred in the 41st minute.
"Credit to Cleveland State they outworked us, and they made a lot better decisions than us," said Kent State head coach Rob Marinaro. "It is early in the season, and we are still trying to figure out what works tactically and what personnel we are using. We will take a look at that and improve going forward."
The Vikings were on the scoreboard first in just the fifth minute as Grace Grant lofted a shot from 40 yards out that grazed the leaping hand of goalkeeper Ashleah McDonald and found the back of the net. It was Grant's first goal of the young season, and Ashley Thiss also recorded her first assist of the campaign.
During the 16th minute a foul was called on Kent State ten yards out inside the penalty box on the left side, giving the Vinkings a penalty kick. Jenna Prathapa beat a diving McDonald for her second goal of the season, and gave Cleveland State a 2-0 advantage.
Just before the end of the first period, in the 41st minute, the Golden Flashes struck for their only goal of the contest when freshman Vital Kats received a pass from fellow freshman Isabelle Mihail and made a quick move in the ride side of the box, beating the Cleveland State keeper. It was the first career goal for Kats and first career assist for Mihail.
In the second half of the match, Kent State had opportunities to score. Paige Culver had a header off a good pass from Kristen Brots, but it sailed high just over the crossbar. Kent State's best scoring chance came in the 86th minute when Karli Paracca had a breakaway play, but Vikings' net minder Jamie Daniels stepped up and made a clutch save.
Cleveland State had a scoring chance in the 82nd minute when a ball found the back of the net, but the Vikings were called offsides.
Kent State utilized a tandem of goalkeepers in the match with Ashleah McDonald starting and playing the first half. McDonald allowed two goals and made one save. Katie Kingsbury played the entirety of the second half, and did not allow a goal while making one save. Cleveland State's Jamie Daniels allowed one goal and made four saves.
The Golden Flashes outshot the Vikings 14-8 overall and 10-3 in the second period, and Kent State had an 8-1 advantage on corner kicks. Cleveland State's aggressive defensive attack led them to leading in fouls 12-4.
The Flashes' next match will take them to Western New York next week to battle St. Bonaventure on Sunday, Aug. 20 at 1 p.m.
Team Stats
GRANT, Grace (1)
Assisted By: THISS, Ashley
Shot from 40 yards out, chipped just ove
5:15
PRATHAPA, Jenna (2)
CSU PRATHAPA, Jenna PENALTY KICK GOAL, goal number 2 for season.
16:25
KATS, Vital (1)
Assisted By: MIHAIL, Isabelle
GOAL by KENTST KATS, Vital, Assist by MIHAIL, Isabelle, goal number 1 for season.
41:04
