Kent State University
Youngstown State
Non-Conference Finale on Tap at Youngstown State
9/20/2019 6:02:00 PM | Women's Soccer
The Kent State soccer team (1-4-1) concludes non-conference play on the road at regional rival Youngstown State (2-5-1) on Sunday, Sept. 22nd at 1 p.m. The Golden Flashes and Penguins are meeting on the pitch for the first time since 2013 and the game will be broadcast live on ESPN3.
Last Time Out
Behind sophomore Tianna Harris' first career goal, Kent State attempted to comeback from an early deficit, but ultimately could not do so as Butler scored late on its home field to win, 2-1. The Golden Flashes fell to 1-2-1 in the all-time series against the Bulldogs.
Kent State possessed the ball for the majority of the middle part of the match and that's when the Flashes struck to even the score. Harris scored in the 41st minute knocking in a corner kick that redshirt sophomore Karly Hellstrom served in. Hellstrom has been a part of all three Kent State scores this year (2g, 1a) and leads the team with 5 points.
Flashes Picked Third in MAC Preseason Poll
The Golden Flashes were tabbed to finish third in the Mid-American Conference preseason coaches' poll and received three votes to win the league's postseason tournament. Kent State had the second-most tournament championship votes behind last season's regular season and tournament champion, Bowling Green. Kent State finished the 2018 campaign with its eighth consecutive 10-win season and is the only MAC team to accomplish that mark.
#FlashFacts
- Redshirt sophomore Karly Hellstrom was named MAC Co-Offensive Player of the Week for the first time in her career on Sept. 10 for netting the game-winning goal against Syracuse. Both of Hellstrom's goals have come against Power 5 competition (Syracuse & Colorado).
- With KSU's win over Syracuse, the Flashes have won a match over an ACC school for the fourth straight season.
- Redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Faith O'Neill currently ranks sixth in program history with eight career shutouts.
- Head coach Rob Marinaro is in his 19th season as head coach and 23rd overall with the program. He owns a 176-143-40 career record.
Scouting Youngstown State
The Penguins are 2-5-1 this season and have won matches against Fort Wayne and Saint Francis (Pa.). Youngstown State will travel to Oakland on Friday before playing KSU to begin Horizon League play. In the Penguins last match, they fell on the road to Duquesne, 6-0. Freshman Marcella Sizer leads the Penguins with nine points (4g, 1a). Sophomore Raquel Costa Correia and freshman Addie Roman have scored YSU's two other goals this year. Kent State senior defender Maddie LaVigna will square off against her younger sister, Regan, who is a freshman forward for Youngstown State.
Series History
Kent State has a decisive advantage in the all-time series and lead it, 10-1. The only loss for Kent State was in 1997 as part of the program inaugural season. Over the last 10 games, the Golden Flashes have outscored the Penguins, 27-1.
Next Up
Kent State will begin Mid-American Conference play on the road at Western Michigan on Friday, Sept. 27th at 4 p.m., and continue the road swing at Northern Illinois on Sunday, Sept. 29th at 2 p.m.
Follow the Flashes
Be sure to follow Kent State Soccer on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for news and in-match updates about the squad.
