Kent State University
University of Akron
Kent State Looks to Extend Wagon Wheel Streak on Sunday
3/6/2021 1:00:00 PM | Women's Soccer
The Kent State soccer team (1-0-0) will look to keep its streak versus archrival Akron (0-1-0) alive when it hosts the Zips for a Wagon Wheel matchup on Zoeller Field at Dix Stadium on Sunday at 1 p.m.
Last Time Out
The Flashes were victorious in their season opener, shutting out Buffalo and winning 1-0. The team out-shot the Bulls 16 to 11, and Yasmine Hall scored the decisive goal in the 29 th minute off a pass from Vital Kats, cutting onto her left-foot to place the ball inside the near post and past the goalkeeper. Sophomore Sarah Melén had her first collegiate start in goal for Kent State and recorded the shutout with four saves.
Flash Facts
-The shutout Thursday was the Flashes' first shutout victory in the season opener since 2014 when they beat Western Illinois 3-0. It was also the team's second straight shut out in the season opener; in 2019, they played Cleveland State to a scoreless draw.
-Kats' assist Thursday was the 22nd of her career. She is currently fourth all-time in career assists, and is within reach of third which is held by Stephanie Haugh who recorded 25 assists in her career from 2011-2014.
-Hall's goal was her first since 2018 when she scored twice against Morehead State . It also marked her first goal against a Mid-American Conference opponent.
Scouting Akron
Akron enters the game after suffering a 3-0 loss at home to Bowling Green. Sophomore goalkeeper Vanessa Berlin made two saves on five shots on goal in the loss. The Zips' attack managed five shots, putting two on target. Akron nearly got a goal lap, with a shot from junior Sydney Worthy forcing the Falcons' goalkeeper into a tough save to keep the ball out.
Series History
The Flashes have a 13-3-0 record all-time against their bitter rivals. Their last loss came back in 2010. Since then, the team has outscored the Zips 22-3 and has held them scoreless in seven games in that stretch of time. Kent State won the 2019 meeting 2-0 with goals from Karly Hellstrom and Vital Kats.
Follow the Flashes
Follow the Kent State soccer team on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and visit kentstatesports.com for updates.
