Kent State University
8-6-2, 5-4-0
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Western Michigan
10-3-3, 6-0-3
Flashes Drop Physical Contest with WMU
10/19/2023 9:44:00 PM | Women's Soccer
KENT, Ohio – In a battle between two Mid-American Conference heavyweights, the Kent State Soccer team fell 2-0 to Western Michigan in the final regular-season home game of the year at Zoeller Field at Dix Stadium.
The loss marks the second in a row for the Golden Flashes (8-6-2, 5-4-0 MAC) while the Broncos (10-3-3, 6-0-3 MAC) remain the only unbeaten team in the conference and sit atop the league table with just two games left to play.
The Flashes were able to get offensive looks early, with Callie Cunningham and Dalaney Ranallo putting threatening shots on goal that were turned away by the Western keeper.
The Broncos scored twice in a three-minute span to jump out to a 2-0 advantage, netting goals in the 25th and 28th minutes. The Flashes were able to generate a few more scoring chances late in the half after Western Michigan was handed a pair of yellow cards deep in their defensive zone, but the Flashes could not find a goal of their own before the halftime whistle.
Kent State struggled to find its offensive footing in the second half as Western Michigan was keen to let the time tick down holding a two-goal advantage. The Flashes were unable to put a shot on goal in the final 45 minutes.
In the box score, the Flashes trailed in shots (8-16), shots on goal (3-7) and corner kick opportunities (0-9). Cunningham, Ranallo and Ava Todd led Kent State with a shot on goal each, while five Flashes played the full 90 minutes – Ranallo, Todd, Abby Breitschuh, Kelsey Salopek, and Sarah Melén.
Melén totaled five saves on the night for the Flashes.
NEXT UP
Kent State will wrap up the regular season on the road, traveling to Toledo on Sunday, Oct. 22, for a matchup with the Rockets. The Flashes then close out the regular season at Buffalo on Thursday, Oct. 26. Following tonight's match, the Flashes and Bulls are tied for fifth in the conference standings, two points ahead of Toledo.
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.
Team Stats
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Heidi Thomasma (2)
Assisted By: Jenna Blackburn
GOAL by WMU Thomasma, Heidi Assist by Blackburn, Jenna.
25:35
Jenna Blackburn (3)
Assisted By: Mira Pierre-Webster
GOAL by WMU Blackburn, Jenna Assist by Pierre-Webster, Mira.
27:59
