Kent State University
1-0-0, 0-0-0
Oakland
0-1-0, 0-0-0
Golden Flashes Open Season with Win Over Golden Grizzlies
8/17/2023 9:56:00 PM | Women's Soccer
ROCHESTER, Mich. – The Kent State women's soccer team started the 2023 season on a high note with a 2-1 win over Oakland on Thursday night. The Golden Flashes are now unbeaten in four straight season openers dating back to 2019.
Josie Morgan tallied the first goal of the season for the Flashes in the 23rd minute. The freshman fielded a perfect pass from Callie Cunningham and buried the ball past the arms of the outstretched keeper and into the bottom-right corner for her first collegiate goal.
Kent State added to its lead after the halftime break thanks to a persistent offensive attack in the early minutes of the second half. Siena Stambolich sent a corner kick into the box where it bounced around in the mass of bodies on the goal line. A failed clearance brought the ball out to the edge of the 18-yard box, where Alisa Arthur hammered a one-timer through the sea of bodies into the back of the net for her first of the year.
In the 60th minute, Oakland cut the lead in half on a penalty kick but the Flashes' stout defense held any chance of a comeback at bay, allowing only one shot attempt and zero shots on goal in the final half hour.
The Flashes controlled the pace throughout the night, holding the edge over the Grizzlies in shots (14-8), shots on goal (9-4), and corner kicks (5-2). Arthur led the way with five shots, four on goal, while Siena Stambolich added another four shots, one on goal and three more that flew just wide.
Kent State's back line looked in good form early, limiting the Grizzlies' offense to just three shots on goal. Sarah Melén tallied three saves in the win.
Morgan, Ava Todd and Alanna Raimondo all made their collegiate debuts and first starts as members of the Golden Flashes in the win.
NEXT UP
The Flashes return to the friendly confines of Zoeller Field at Dix Stadium on Sunday, August 20 at 1 p.m. to face off against Colgate. Kent State Soccer will be attempting to break the program's attendance record of 676 fans at the home opener. Fans who arrive at the stadium early will go home with a Kent State Soccer schedule poster and a toothbrush as the Flashes look to "Brush Away Colgate."
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
Josie Morgan (1)
Assisted By: Callie Cunningham
GOAL by KSU Morgan, Josie Assist by Cunningham, Callie.
21:19
Alisa Arthur (1)
GOAL by KSU Arthur, Alisa.
52:43
Macey Wierenga
OAK Macey Wierenga PENALTY KICK GOAL.
62:07
