Kent State University
4-2-2, 1-0-0
Ohio
2-4-2, 0-1-0
Flashes Blank Bobcats to Begin MAC Play
9/21/2023 6:34:00 PM | Women's Soccer
ATHENS, Ohio – Kent State started Mid-American Conference play off on the right foot Thursday evening, beating Ohio 1-0 in a hard-fought matchup.
The Golden Flashes improve to 4-2-2 on the season and 1-0 in MAC play, while the Bobcats fall to 2-4-2 on the year and 0-1 in confernce.
Alisa Arthur gave Kent State the early advantage, scoring her second goal of the season in only the 10th minute. Kelsey Salopek gained control of an Ohio clearance and found Siena Stambolich in the Flashes' attacking half, who turned and sent a pass over to Arthur on the right side of the 18-yard box. A stellar dribble move put space between her and the defender, and Arthur tucked the ball past the Ohio keeper to give the Flashes the early lead.
Arthur is now tied for the team lead in goals with Stambolich, Josie Morgan, and Alanna Raimondo. Stambolich and Arthur share the team lead in points with six apiece, as the juniors have each scored two goals and added two assists so far this season.
Kent State remained in control for much of the game but could not find another goal to extend the lead. Late in the second half, Ohio started to up the offensive intensity and put pressure on the Flashes' defense. The Bobcats were able to retain possession inside of their attacking half but a number of stellar defensive plays kept the offense at bay. Ohio did not get a shot on goal until the 86th minute, which Sarah Melén knocked away with a diving save to her left.
The clean sheet marks the 15th shutout of Melén's career in goal for the Flashes, tied for the fourth-most in program history, and also marks her 22nd career win, which ranks fifth among Kent State keepers.
The Flashes held the advantage in shots (16-11) and shots on goal (5-1). Arthur paced the Flashes' attack with seven shots and was responsible for all five shots on goal.
NEXT UP
The Flashes will host Akron on Sunday at 1 p.m. at Zoeller Field at Dix Stadium. To show that "Our Gold is Greater," fans are encouraged to wear their favorite Kent State gold attire as part of a gold out. Sunday's game is also part of Kent State Athletics and the Kent State University's FlaSHEs Will Weekend. FlaSHEs Will events aim to get girls and women from the surrounding communities of Kent involved in athletics while also supporting Kent State female athletes throughout their competitive seasons each year.
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
Alisa Arthur (2)
Assisted By: Siena Stambolich
GOAL by KSU Arthur, Alisa Assist by Stambolich, Siena.
09:01
