Stambolich, Salopek Score as Flashes Beat Akron

Sunday, September 25

Akron, Ohio

1:00 p.m.

Kent State University

2-5-2, 2-0-0

Akron

1-4-2, 0-2-0

Kent St.

Akron

Photo by: David Dermer

Stambolich, Salopek Score as Flashes Beat Akron

9/25/2022 3:55:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

AKRON, Ohio – The Kent State soccer team did not let a 40-minute lightning delay or a constant deluge of rain dampen the momentum that it has been building throughout the last few matches, topping Akron 2-0 in the first installment of the Crystal Clinic Wagon Wheel Challenge of the 2022-23 season.

The Golden Flashes (2-5-2, 2-0 MAC) have earned two consecutive wins to start Mid-American Conference play, and have now beaten the Zips in 12 of the last 13 meetings. Akron (1-4-2, 0-2 MAC) has lost four straight.

Kent State's offense did not need much time getting warmed up despite the icy rain. In the 13th minute, sophomore Siena Stambolich snuck up behind an unaware Akron defender, stole the ball out from under her, and fired a screamer from the top of the 18-yard box past the Zips' keeper into the top-right corner of the net to give the Flashes a one-goal advantage. It was the first goal for Stambolich on the year, and the third of her career.

The Flashes carried the 1-0 lead into the halftime break, and the quick reprieve from the rain breathed even more life into the Flashes' attack. In the 53rd minute, junior Dalaney Ranallo sent a free kick from just across the midfield line into the box, which rebounded off the shin guard of the Zips' keeper and fell to the feet of freshman Kelsey Salopek, who buried it into the empty net for her third goal of the year. Ranallo's assist was her second of the season.

Neither team was able to score in the physical final half hour of play, but six total cards (five yellow, one red) were handed out in the second half. Five cards, including the red, were given to the Zips.

Goalkeeper Sarah Melén and the Flashes' defense recorded their second straight shutout and third overall on the year.

Sophomore Alisa Arthur led the way in the box score with four total shots, three on goal, followed by Salopek with three shots, one on goal. The Flashes led the game in shots (13-6), shots on goal (6-0), and corner kicks (13-2). Both teams tallied 14 fouls.

Kent State will hit the pitch next on Thursday, Sept. 29, in Kalamazoo, Mich., to take on Western Michigan as MAC play kicks fully into gear. Last season against the Broncos, Ranallo scored early and junior Callie Cunningham netted the game-winner in overtime as the Flashes won, 3-2.

For more information on the Kent State soccer team, follow Kent State Soccer on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, and visit kentstatesports.com for additional information.