Kent State University
6-3-1, 2-0
Eastern Michigan University
3-7-1, 0-2
Kent State defeats Eastern Michigan 1-0 To Sweep Weekend
9/24/2017 4:31:00 PM | Women's Soccer
KENT, Ohio – The Kent State soccer team (6-3-1, 2-0 MAC) defeated the Eastern Michigan Eagles (3-7-1, 0-2 MAC), 1-0, to sweep the first weekend of MAC competition. The Golden Flashes battled extreme heat conditions as freshman Rachel Ernst scored the match's only goal, and Kent State did not relinquish the lead.
"I think picking up two wins in a weekend is a great achievement and I have to give the credit to how hard the players worked this weekend," said head coach Rob Marinaro. "Rachel's goal was a huge strike that changed the game. Eastern Michigan was applying a lot of pressure and Rachel came up with a great play that allowed us to take control of the game."
Ernst found the back of the net in the 24th minute by firing a shot from 20 yards out placing the ball in the top right shelf of goal. It is Ernst's first career goal and she becomes the fourth Kent State freshman to record a goal this year. Karly Hellstrom and Karli Paracca each recorded assists.
"It was awesome, I'm not a huge goal scorer and it was a great feeling to score the game winning goal," said Ernst. "I think it really helped change the pace of how we played for the rest of the match."
The Golden Flashes controlled the ball for most of the first period, outshooting the Eagles 6-1, and in corner kicks 2-0.
Eastern Michigan came out of the halftime break attacking, as the Eagles best chance occurred in the 47th minute, when Kristen Nason's shot on a breakaway was batted down by Ashleah McDonald.
Kent State shutout their opponent for a MAC leading fifth time this season.
"I thought our defense was excellent today," said Marinaro. "Eastern Michigan is a very athletic team up front, and we dealt with it very well from our back four and goalkeeping."
Overall Kent State led Eastern Michigan in shots (15-8) and corner kicks (6-3). The Golden Flashes defense held the Eagles to just three shots on goal, while Kent State put eight on net.
Freshman Cameron Shedenhelm led the Flashes with four shots, placing two on goal. Madeline Olson paced the Eagles registering three shots with two on goal.
Kent State's Ashleah McDonald made three saves to advance to 5-2-1 and recorded her third shutout of the season. Eagles' goalkeeper Kaylin Williams made seven saves and moves to 3-7-1.
The Flashes continue MAC play next weekend on the road on Friday, Sept. 29 at 4 p.m. against Miami, and Sunday, Oct. 1 at 1 p.m. versus Ball State.
Be sure to follow Kent State Soccer on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for news and in-match updates about the squad.
Team Stats
ERNST, Rachel (1)
Assisted By: HELLSTROM, Karly , PARACCA, Karli
Goal scored from 10 yards out, top shelf
24:31
