Kent State University
1-1-1, 0-0-0
Pitt
3-0-0, 0-0-0
Flashes Fall 1-0 to No. 21 Pitt
8/24/2023 9:43:00โฏPM | Women's Soccer
KENT, Ohio โย The Kent State women's soccer team fought tooth and nail with No. 21 Pitt for the full 90 minutes on Thursday night but ultimately fell 1-0.ย
The Panthers (3-0-0) got on the board just 10 minutes into the first half off of a corner kick. Sarah Melén stretched out to try to deflect the header but missed by mereย inches, giving Pitt the 1-0 advantage.ย
From there, the Golden Flashes (1-1-1) upped the intensity across the board, playing some of their most ferocious soccer so far this season. Ava Todd had a stellar game from her centerback position, contesting numerous Pitt shot attempts and cutting out entry passes. Todd, Kelsey Salopek, Dalaney Ranallo, and Abby Breitschuh worked together well as a unit for the full 90 minutes and were able to take away scoring opportunities from the potent Pitt attack.
Alanna Raimondo pushed the pace offensively for the Flashes, leading the team with five shots. In the 12th minute, the freshman sent a screamer at goal from the top of the box but found the crossbar instead of the back of the net. Siena Stambolich and Josie Morgan also had great looks at goal that narrowly missed the mark.
In the 89th minute, Giulia Giovinazzi nearly tied the game with a right-footer that was tipped out of bounds by the Pitt keeper. Stambolich's corner kick was threatening, but the outstretched arms of the keeper found the ball before the leaping Ranallo could knock home the equalizer.
Melén had her strongest game in goal so far this year, tallying a season-high 10 saves.
Freshman Emma Barnett made her collegiate debut on Thursday night, playing 20 minutes off the bench for the Flashes.
NEXT UP
The Flashes will travel up north to face off with Cleveland State in the first game of a three-game road trip.ย ย The Flashes hold a 10-2-3 advantage over the Vikings in the all-time series and are unbeaten in the last four meetings. Last year, Callie Cunningham netted the first goal of the 2022 season in a 1-1 draw against Cleveland State at Dix Stadium. After Sunday's game, the Flashes will head out west to take on two PAC-12 opponents in Arizona and Arizona State before returning to Dix Stadium on Sept. 10 for Senior Day against Duquesne.
FOLLOW THE FLASHES
Be sure to follow Kent State Soccerย ย onย Twitter,ย Instagramย andย Facebookย for more news and information about the Flashes throughout the 2023 season.
Team Stats
Lainie Fuchs (1)
Assisted By: Sarah Schupansky
GOAL by PITT Fuchs, Lainie Assist by Schupansky, Sarah.
09:03
