Kent State University
5-3-1, 1-0-0MAC
Central Michigan University
5-3-1, 0-1-0MAC
Soccer Begins MAC Play with Win Over Central Michigan
9/22/2017 10:03:00 PM | Women's Soccer
KENT, Ohio – The Kent State University women's soccer team started Mid-American Conference play with a win Friday over Central Michigan, 2-1, at Dix Stadium.
A pair of goals in the second half pulled the Golden Flashes from behind Friday, with Karli Paracca and Sierra Henderson-Muschett each picking up their first goals of the season. The Flashes trailed 1-0 at halftime, but scored in the 48th and 63rd minute to earn a win in the MAC opener.
"Anytime you can pick up a win in conference play is always great, especially the first one," said head coach Rob Marinaro This was a great Central Michigan team that worked really hard. They did a fantastic job."
Central Michigan looked strong in the first half, forcing five saves on 10 shot attempts. Over half of the shots were on target, and the Chippewas found the back of the net in the 17th minute. A long cross into the box found Lexi Pelafas, who scored on her first touch.
Down in the second half, the team made the necessary adjustments to pull ahead. The Flashes connected on their first shot on goal, with senior Paracca earning the equalizer. Paracca scored from just inside the box after beating her defender, connecting on assists from Isabelle Mihail and Vital Kats.
The teams would be level for 15 minutes, but the Flashes took advantage of a set piece to pull ahead. Freshman Karly Hellstrom played a corner kick into the box, and after intercepting a clearance, found Henderson-Muschett. The sophomore scored from point-blank range for the first goal of her career.
"We've been working on set pieces, coach has been telling us games are won and lost in the box," said Henderson-Muschett. "I saw the ball coming in so I stayed and tried to get a touch on it and direct it towards the net."
Central Michigan would outshoot Kent State 17-9, but were held to three shots on goal in the second half. Ashleah McDonald started in goal for the Flashes and recorded a season-high eight saves. Hellstrom and fellow freshman Mihail each led the Flashes with three shots apiece.
"As we continue going, our younger players are just learning what it takes to be successful, especially in conference," noted Marinaro. "I think they got a great taste of it tonight against a fantastic Central Michigan team. We'll just keep trying to build on that momentum."
The Flashes have a quick turnaround, hosting Eastern Michigan at Dix Stadium Sunday at 1 p.m.
Team Stats
PELAFAS, Lexi (7)
Assisted By: MITCHELL, Sarah , POGARCH, Madison
GOAL by CMU PELAFAS, Lexi (FIRST GOAL), Assist by MITCHELL, Sarah and POGARCH, Madison, goal number 7 for season.
16:45
PARACCA, Karli (1)
Assisted By: EIBEN, Jaime
strike from 15 yards out
47:17
HENDERSON-MUSCHETT (1)
Assisted By: HELLSTROM, Karly
Pass through box from 23, score from poi
62:59
