The University of Akron (4-7-3, 1-4-1 MAC) women’s soccer team fell to Mid-American Conference rival Kent State University (9-5-0, 4-2-0 MAC) by a score of 2-0 on Sunday afternoon at Zoeller Field as a part of the PNC Wagon Wheel Challenge.
Strong defense controlled the majority of the match as Akron and Kent State played to a no-score tie through the first 45 minutes. The Zips were held to just two shots in the half, while also collecting four corner kicks.
Junior Alex Luevano-Harden started at goalkeeper for the Zips, and set a season high in total saves in the match. Luevano-Harden made five saves in the first half, and saw a total of 12 shots come her way through the first 45 minutes.
Madison Kaser recorded the Zips lone shot on goal in the first half, with senior Amber Kern picking up the second Akron shot.
Defense continued into the second half, as Luevano-Harden remained in goal for the second half. However, Kent State’s Jessacca Gironda picked up the first goal of the match at the 55:20 mark to take a 1-0 lead.
Late in the second half, Gironda struck again for the Golden Flashes to put them up 2-0 in the 84th minute. The late goal would bring the match to its final score of 1-0.
Luevano-Harden was handed the loss in Sunday’s contest, bringing her record to 1-4-0 in the 2013 campaign. She finished the match with seven saves.
Kaser had a team-leading two shots in the loss to Kent State. Kelly DeNiro, Abby Gindlesberger, Maggie Rusnak, Lani Smith, and Kern spent the duration of the match on the pitch for the Zips.
Akron will look ahead to two home matches next weekend, with Central Michigan scheduled for Friday at 7 p.m., and Bowling Green set for Sunday at noon.
