Kent State University
5-2-2, 2-0-0
Akron
2-7-0, 0-2-0
Second-Half Heroics Lift Flashes Over Akron
9/24/2023 4:04:00 PM | Women's Soccer
KENT, Ohio – Two goals late in the second half propelled the Kent State soccer team to a thrilling 2-1 win over Akron on Sunday at Zoeller Field at Dix Stadium.
The Golden Flashes (5-2-2, 2-0 MAC) wrap up the first weekend of conference play with a pair of wins, while the Zips (2-7-0, 0-2 MAC) have dropped seven of their last eight games.
Neither side was able to find a goal in a physical first half of play. Both Sarah Melén and the Akron keeper made a number of massive saves to keep zeros up on the scoreboard at the half.
The Flashes had a number of scoring chances early in the second half, but it was the Zips who were able to break the deadlock with a goal in the 63rd minute.
As the time on the clock ticked down, Kent State turned the intensity all the way up. Callie Cunningham sent a pass towards Alisa Arthur, who ripped the ball from the feet of an Akron defender and found nothing but open field in front of her. The junior juked out the Zips keeper and hammered home the equalizer in the 82nd minute.
Arthur has now scored in back-to-back games and leads the Flashes in goals (3) and points (8) on the season.
With just two minutes left on the clock, Kelsey Salopek called game. The defender intercepted a pass in the midfield, took two dribbles, and fired a shot from nearly 30 yards out. The ball scraped underneath the crossbar, past the gloves of the Zips keeper, and into the back of the net as the crowd at Dix Stadium erupted.
Salopek's electrifying goal was a backbreaker and left no time for Akron to mount a comeback, giving Kent State its third-straight win in the rivalry matchup.
The Zips held a slight edge in terms of shots (13-11) and shots on goal (8-5). Arthur and Salopek led the Flashes' with two shots on goal each, while Melén posted seven saves in the win.
NEXT UP
The Flashes will be back at Zoeller Field at Dix Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 28, when they face off with Eastern Michigan. The Flashes will be celebrating Rock n' Roll Night, complete with a live guitar national anthem.
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
Emma King (3)
Assisted By: Ella Hadley
GOAL by AKR King, Emma Assist by Hadley, Ella.
62:13
Alisa Arthur (3)
Assisted By: Callie Cunningham
GOAL by KENT Arthur, Alisa Assist by Cunningham, Callie.
82:14
Kelsey Salopek (1)
GOAL by KENT Salopek, Kelsey.
87:50
