Kent State University
Northern Illinois
Soccer Takes on NIU and Western Michigan as MAC Play Continues
10/6/2021 10:56:00 AM | Women's Soccer
(KENT, Ohio) - The Kent State women's soccer team prepares for another weekend of Mid-American Conference play, as they're set to host Northern Illinois Thursday at 7 PM at Zoeller Field at Dix Stadium, before traveling to Western Michigan Sunday to take on the Broncos at 1.
About the Flashes
Kent State comes into the weekend with a record of 6-4-1, after having split its games a week ago. Last Thursday, the Golden Flashes defeated Toledo on the road, 2-1, thanks to goals from two youngsters: sophomore forward Callie Cunningham got the Flashes on the board in the 32nd minute, and freshman midfielder ended things in overtime with a game-winner, following a ricochet off the left post came back to her and she took another shot, this time successfully.
The Flashes would then lose a close one at home Sunday to Bowling Green, 3-2. A pair of redshirt senior Golden Flashes scored in that game, forward Cameron Shedenhelm, along with defender Karly Hellstrom. Shedenhelm's goal was her team-leading fifth goal of the season. However, this wouldn't be enough to stave off the Falcons, and Bowling Green ended up departing Kent with a win.
As far as the standings are concerned, the Flashes are still in good shape in the MAC. They're fifth in overall winning percentage, and are in a four-way tie for third place in the MAC in terms of conference record.
As previously mentioned, Cameron Shedenhelm leads the team in goals with five. She also leads the team in total points with 13. Additionally, the Pickerington, Ohio native is 2-2 in penalty shot attempts on the season.On the defensive side of the ball, junior goalkeeper Sarah Melen has 41 saves this year.
Scouting the Huskies
Northern Illinois enters play Thursday with a 4-8 record and 1-3 record within the MAC. Grad forward Haley Hoppe is first on the team with six goals and 14 points. Hoppe is far-and-away the Huskies' best offensive option, as she's taken 45 shots and 23 shots-on-goal, which is much more than any other player. The Huskies are averaging 1.17 goals scored per game, while their opponents average 2.25. Northern Illinois is also getting the ball into its opponents' territory less often than vice versa, as they've taken 36 corner kicks this season, compared to 75 taken by their opponents.
Not facing off with Kent State last year due to COVID-19 alterations to the schedule, the most recent time Northern Illinois and the Flashes met was in 2019, when Kent State won, 1-0, on a goal by Vital Kats (assisted by Cameron Shedenhelm).
Scouting the Broncos
Western Michigan enters the weekend with a similar record to Northern Illinois, at 1-3 in the conference and 3-8 overall. In their last outing Sunday, they lost at home to Central Michigan, 1-0. The Chippewas held the Broncos scoreless, including Western Michigan's leading scorer, fifth year forward Bailey Korhorn, who has four goals and nine points on the season. Fifth year goalkeeper Maggie Rogers has 56 saves in 10 games.
As with Northern Illinois, Western Michigan and Kent State have not played each other since 2019. That game resulted in a tie.
Follow the Kent State soccer team on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and visit kentstatesports.com for additional updates.
