Kent State Soccer Edged by Miami in MAC Opener, 2-1

September 23, 2011

KENT, Ohio – The Kent State women’s soccer team (6-4-0, 0-1-0 MAC) had a three-game winning streak halted Friday afternoon with a 2-1 setback to Miami (Ohio) in the Mid-American Conference opener for both teams.

After falling behind 2-0 with just under 15 minutes to go, Kent State picked up its pressure and battled back. In the 87^th minute, senior Vanessa Salerno (Etobicoke, Ontario) was able to head in a 40-yard free kick by fellow senior Jenni Stapleton (Strongsville, Ohio) to cut the deficit in half.

Kent State continued to press, firing shots and earning corner kicks in the game’s final ticks, but the Golden Flashes were unable to equalize.

“We went away from what we’ve been trying to do all season, and they got a little panicked when we went down,” said head coach Rob Marinaro. “But we’ll regroup and come back out Sunday.”

Miami (6-2-0, 1-0-0) scored the game’s first goal less than a minute into the second half and added their second score in the 76^th minute.

Kent State had plenty of opportunities against the RedHawks. In the first half, senior Hannah Johnson (Medina, Ohio) found the ball at her feet from close range after a Kent State free kick failed to clear by the Miami defense. Her point-blank try forced a diving save.

In the 52^nd minute, junior Megan Repas (Avon, Ohio) sliced down the right side and after fending off the Miami defense had a chance, but her shot skipped just wide to the left. For the game, Kent State out-shot Miami 20-12 and had a 7-3 advantage in corner kicks.

Kent State’s Kelly Sherwood (Strongsville, Ohio) made four saves, while her Miami counterpart Allison Norenberg also made four stops.

The Golden Flashes conclude a three-game home stand Sunday, Sept. 25 when Kent State entertains Bowling Green for a 1 p.m. start at Zoeller Field.