Kent State University
8-5-2, 5-3-0
Northern Illinois
6-6-3, 4-3-1
Giovinazzi Scores, Flashes Come Up Short Against NIU
10/15/2023 3:49:00 PM | Women's Soccer
KENT, Ohio – The Kent State women's soccer team dropped a hard-fought game to Northern Illinois on a cold and rainy Sunday at Zoeller Field at Dix Stadium, falling 2-1.
The loss marks the Golden Flashes' (8-5-2, 5-3-0 MAC) first home defeat in conference play this season while the Huskies (6-6-3, 4-3-1 MAC) have now won four of their last five games.
NIU got on the board first, taking a 1-0 advantage in the 24th minute off of a Kent State own goal. Neither side could add another score before the halftime whistle blew, so the Huskies entered the locker room up one score.
The Flashes' reprieve from the inclement weather gave new life to the squad and the energy across the field was revved up. Alanna Raimondo was able to draw a foul in the box early in the second half to set up a penalty kick, the second time in as many games the freshman has done so, but Dalaney Ranallo's attempt flew wide left.
The Huskies were able to net a second goal in the 57th minute to extend their advantage, leading to another uptick in offensive pressure from the Flashes. Kent State was able to make a number of quality runs in front of goal, but the NIU keeper kept the offense at bay, making seven saves on the afternoon.
Mary Kate Lape was able to draw another penalty kick in the 73rd minute. Giulia Giovinazzi stood over the ball to take the penalty and fired a missile to the keeper's right and into the netting. The goal was the first of the season for the senior midfielder.
The Flashes tried to find the equalizer in the final minutes, but the Huskies' defense did enough to keep Kent State from adding another tally on the scoreboard.
In the box score, the Flashes held the advantage in shots on goal (8-6) but trailed in shots (11-12) and corner kick opportunities (2-5). In a physical matchup between the Mid-American Conference foes, 36 total fouls were called, 20 on Kent State, and NIU was handed three yellow cards. Alanna Raimondo and Siena Stambolich led the Flashes' offensive attack from the midfield, putting a pair of shots on goal each.
Sarah Melén totaled five saves on the afternoon for the Flashes.
NEXT UP
Kent State will host its final regular season match at Zoeller Field at Dix Stadium on Thursday, Oct. 19, against Western Michigan. The Flashes will be honoring their Most Valuable Professors during the match and fans can treat themselves to a complimentary hot cocoa bar.
FOLLOW THE FLASHES
Be sure to follow Kent State Soccer on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for more news and information about the Flashes throughout the 2023 season.
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Team Stats
0
Own goal.
23:39
Tyra King (2)
GOAL by NIU King, Tyra.
56:15
Giulia Giovinazzi
KENT Giulia Giovinazzi PENALTY KICK GOAL.
72:12
