KENT, Ohio ? The Kent State women's soccer team (0-1-0) dropped their 2010 season opener Sunday afternoon in an exciting 2-1 contest against Illinois State. All three of the game's goals were tallied in the final 10 minutes, providing plenty of excitement after a pair of solid defensive displays by both teams.
After Illinois State scored in the 81st minute, Kent State freshman Jessacca Gironda (Akron, Ohio) made good on her collegiate debut, knocking home a ball from classmate Morgan Mah (Edmonton, Alberta) in the 87th minute. But before overtime could arrive, the Redbirds notched the game's winning goal in the 88th minute to conclude the scoring frenzy.
"They have to use that disappointment in a positive manner," said head coach Rob Marinaro of the last-moment setback. "That was an NCAA tournament team last year with a lot of experience; we'll continue to push forward."
Kent State boasted a 19-12 shots advantage, including a 13-6 lead in a wind-aided second half.
Illinois State broke the scoreless tie late in the second half. A loose ball came through near the top of the penalty box in the 81st minute, forcing Kent State goalkeeper Kelly Sherwood (Strongsville, Ohio) to make a sliding play. Sherwood won the ball, but her kick was immediately deflected by Rachel Bostick from 20 yards out into the empty frame.
"I think both teams were a little nervous to start out," said Marinaro. "There was a lot of pressure, and both teams were feeling out the pace of the game. No one wanted to make any mistakes. They capitalized on one of our mistakes."
Kent State took advantage of its preseason practice on situational play following the late goal, as the team pressed numbers forward, keeping all but Sherwood within 40 yards of the goal in the attack. Following a foul near midfield, Kent State got the equalizer in the 87th minute. After a long free kick by Kelsi Landry (Whitby, Ontario), the Golden Flashes kept the ball in the penalty box, resulting in Gironda's goal.
"We talk about the battles inside the 18-yard box, and we came through for one," said Marinaro. "The team showed character and fight to come out with a goal."
With overtime looming, Illinois State put to rest any chance for extra time when Alyssa Schulz broke through in the 88th minute, beating Sherwood to the left and knocking in a shot from 15 yards.
Sherwood finished with three saves for Kent State, while ISU's Kremenovic registered eight stops.
Kent State tried to break through multiple times early in the contest, but the offside flag kept the Golden Flashes at bay three times in the first 17 minutes. KSU was whistled for four offside infractions in the game, all in the first half.
In the 23rd minute, Illinois State had a one-touch chance when Kyla Cross beat a charging Sherwood, but her 18-yard shot skipped outside the far post.
In the second half, it looked like Kent State would get on the board when Kellyn Flanagan (Medina, Ohio) slotted a perfectly placed ball to Kelly Heaton (Mississauga, Ontario) just seven minutes into the period. With just the goalkeeper to beat, Heaton headed toward the goal, but Illinois State's Mara Kremenovic was up to the challenge and snuffed out the chance.
In the 66th minute, the smallest of margins again kept Kent State off the board. Some hard work on the left side of the field by Gironda resulted in a cross from the freshman. Josee Charron (Ottawa, Ontario) rushed in at the far post, and her leaping header was just off the mark.
Illinois State had a strong opportunity in the 70th minute when Nicole Russell was through at the top of the box, but KSU's Sherwood gathered in her attempt. Then, in the 78th minute, Kyla Cross tried to get behind the KSU defense, but a tackle by Gabi Ingram (Indianapolis, Ind.) stymied the opportunity.
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After Illinois State scored in the 81st minute, Kent State freshman Jessacca Gironda (Akron, Ohio) made good on her collegiate debut, knocking home a ball from classmate Morgan Mah (Edmonton, Alberta) in the 87th minute. But before overtime could arrive, the Redbirds notched the game's winning goal in the 88th minute to conclude the scoring frenzy.
"They have to use that disappointment in a positive manner," said head coach Rob Marinaro of the last-moment setback. "That was an NCAA tournament team last year with a lot of experience; we'll continue to push forward."
Kent State boasted a 19-12 shots advantage, including a 13-6 lead in a wind-aided second half.
Illinois State broke the scoreless tie late in the second half. A loose ball came through near the top of the penalty box in the 81st minute, forcing Kent State goalkeeper Kelly Sherwood (Strongsville, Ohio) to make a sliding play. Sherwood won the ball, but her kick was immediately deflected by Rachel Bostick from 20 yards out into the empty frame.
"I think both teams were a little nervous to start out," said Marinaro. "There was a lot of pressure, and both teams were feeling out the pace of the game. No one wanted to make any mistakes. They capitalized on one of our mistakes."
Kent State took advantage of its preseason practice on situational play following the late goal, as the team pressed numbers forward, keeping all but Sherwood within 40 yards of the goal in the attack. Following a foul near midfield, Kent State got the equalizer in the 87th minute. After a long free kick by Kelsi Landry (Whitby, Ontario), the Golden Flashes kept the ball in the penalty box, resulting in Gironda's goal.
"We talk about the battles inside the 18-yard box, and we came through for one," said Marinaro. "The team showed character and fight to come out with a goal."
With overtime looming, Illinois State put to rest any chance for extra time when Alyssa Schulz broke through in the 88th minute, beating Sherwood to the left and knocking in a shot from 15 yards.
Sherwood finished with three saves for Kent State, while ISU's Kremenovic registered eight stops.
Kent State tried to break through multiple times early in the contest, but the offside flag kept the Golden Flashes at bay three times in the first 17 minutes. KSU was whistled for four offside infractions in the game, all in the first half.
In the 23rd minute, Illinois State had a one-touch chance when Kyla Cross beat a charging Sherwood, but her 18-yard shot skipped outside the far post.
In the second half, it looked like Kent State would get on the board when Kellyn Flanagan (Medina, Ohio) slotted a perfectly placed ball to Kelly Heaton (Mississauga, Ontario) just seven minutes into the period. With just the goalkeeper to beat, Heaton headed toward the goal, but Illinois State's Mara Kremenovic was up to the challenge and snuffed out the chance.
In the 66th minute, the smallest of margins again kept Kent State off the board. Some hard work on the left side of the field by Gironda resulted in a cross from the freshman. Josee Charron (Ottawa, Ontario) rushed in at the far post, and her leaping header was just off the mark.
Illinois State had a strong opportunity in the 70th minute when Nicole Russell was through at the top of the box, but KSU's Sherwood gathered in her attempt. Then, in the 78th minute, Kyla Cross tried to get behind the KSU defense, but a tackle by Gabi Ingram (Indianapolis, Ind.) stymied the opportunity.
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