Kent State University
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Western Michigan
Flashes Poised for MAC Semifinal Rematch with Western Michigan
11/6/2024 3:11:00 PM | Women's Soccer
KENT, Ohio- The Kent State soccer team travels to Kalamazoo to face off against the top-seeded Western Michigan Broncos. This is an identical rematch of last year's Mid-American Conference semifinal matchup from one year ago. Kick is currently slated for 2:30 p.m. and will be streamed on ESPN+.
Last Time Out
The Kent State soccer team took down the Miami RedHawks Sunday afternoon at Zoeller Field at Dix Stadium to advance to the Mid-American Conference semi-final for the second year in a row. Siena Stambolich scored a walk-off olympico with just 12 second left in the first period of extra time.
The Golden Flashes got on the board early with a goal in the 2nd minute from Alisa Arthur. Jules Dolinski fired a rocket at the goalie that she defected right to the feet of Arthur who tapped it in for her 10th goal of the season, tying her mark from last season.
The RedHawks found an equalizer in the final seconds of the first half on a rebound goal by Makenna Morrison.
The midfields dominated much of the second half with teams exchanging shots that forced each team's goalie to make a save a piece.
The game would finish the 90 minutes level at one goal apiece and would head to a golden goal overtime period split into two 10-minute halves. The two remained level with two-shots a piece going into the final minute of the first overtime when Stambolich would line up for a corner kick and curl it into the net for her second olimpico in as many games for the Flashes.
Rising in the Record Book
Alisa Arthur is rising in many categories of the Kent State record book. The senior is now fifth in goals (26) and points (66), seventh in shots (182) and shots on goal (85), and almost top-10 in assists.
Super Seniors
Senior midfielders Alisa Arthur and Siena Stambolich earned Second Team All-MAC honors following their stellar senior campaigns. Both Arthur and Stambolich have been consistently great in the Kent State careers and this year is no different with both being in the top three on the team in goals, points, shots, shots on goal, and game-winners.
Fantastic Freshman
Kent State's stellar freshman forward Jules Dolinski earn MAC Freshman of the Year honors Tuesday. Dolinski is third on the team in points with six (2 goals and 2 assists), all six of which came in Mid-American Conference play helping the Flashes secure the fourth seed. Along with Dolinski the Flashes placed Allison Collins, Ali Weibel, and Katie Henahan on the MAC All-Freshman team.
Scouting Western Michigan
The Broncos had another strong season going undefeated in conference play for the second year in a row and winning the MAC regular season title. Kent State is the only MAC foe to take down Western Michigan in the last two years beating them in the semifinal game last season.
The Bronco's attack is led by 2024 MAC Offensive Player of the Year, Jen Blitchok, who leads the conference in shots (83), shots on goal (43), goals (15), and points (38). Blitchok is tied for the conference lead in assists (8) with her teammate Jenna Blackburn.
The Western Michigan defense has been stout all year allowing only 13 goals all year, good for the third least in the conference. The Broncos have allowed one goal or less in 17 of their 18 games this season. Lauren Boafo is the main woman in net for Western Michigan, the 2023 MAC Goalkeeper of the Year is allowing just over 0.5 goals per game this season while recording 33 saves.
Series History
Thursday will mark the 28th meeting all time between Kent State and Western Michigan with the Flashes holding a narrow lead in the all-time series 14-11-3. The Broncos got the best of the Flashes 3-1 on Oct 5 at Dix Stadium. This is a MAC semifinal rematch from a year ago when the Kent State took down top-seeded Western Michigan 2-1 on their home turf to advance to the championship game.
Follow the Flashes
Be sure to follow Kent State Soccer on Instagram, X and Facebook for more news and information about the team and promotions throughout the 2024 season.
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