Ypsilanti, Mich. - The Kent State women's soccer team (8-9-2) had its 2009 season halted Sunday afternoon, as the seventh-seeded Golden Flashes dropped a 3-0 decision to No. 2 seed Eastern Michigan in the quarterfinal round of the 2009 MAC Championship.
Three different players scored for Eastern Michigan (11-3-6), who advances to face No. 6 seed Miami in the semifinal round of the MAC Championship Friday, Nov. 6. The RedHawks upset No. 3 seed Akron 2-0 Sunday afternoon.
"Eastern Michigan is a very good team, and they played very smart soccer today. After getting the lead, they did a good job of controlling the game."
The game was closer than the final score suggested, as the Eagles twice took advantage of an urgent Kent State attack in the game's final minutes. Eastern Michigan had a slight 20-17 advantage in shots on the day, with a 13-7 lead in shots on goal.
Kent State had its first chance to score less than a minute into the game, when senior Catharine Marosszeky (Aurora, Ontario) fired a shot on goal, forcing a save by Eastern Michigan goalkeeper Monique Budani.
Both teams had good looks in the first stanza, but it was Ashley Rodrigues who scored the first goal for Eastern Michigan with just two seconds remaining in the first half. It was her ninth goal of the season.
"They were very opportunistic," said Marinaro. "We lost possession late in the half, they were able to split our defense, and then scored with just seconds left."
Kent State failed to buckle, however, as the Golden Flashes moved more players into the attack in the second half. The result was another good chance by Marosszeky in the 71st minute, when she teed up a free kick that required a big save by EMU's Budani. On the ensuing play, Kent State's Kellyn Flanagan (Medina, Ohio) ripped a shot that skipped just wide.
"We had some really good chances; every game we have good chances, it's all about putting them away," said senior midfielder L.A. Thoma. "Some of our shots were wide of the post, some went right to the goalkeeper. That's just how it goes."
With Kent State pressing players forward in search of a desperately needed equalizing goal, Eastern Michigan took advantage in the 81st minute on a goal by Chelsea Detrick. The Eagles then scored another insurance goal in the final minute of play to seal the victory.
Kent State's Kelly Sherwood finished with a career-best 10 saves in the setback, while EMU's Budani posted seven stops to keep the sheet clean.
The setback marked the final game for Kent State's six-player senior class.
"Obviously I am sad, but I'm content because I know we (as seniors) went out on a great year," said Thoma. "We had a great team this year, great teamwork, and great camaraderie. This team had a great atmosphere, and there is a fantastic group we leave behind. They are only going to go up from here."
Courtesy: Matt Bliss
