Aug. 24, 2008

Kent State Slips Past Soccer 1-0 in Season Opener

    Youngstown -- The YSU soccer team opened the 2008 season at home against Kent State on Sunday afternoon. The Penguins held the Golden Flashes scoreless for 79 minutes of play before Kelly Heaton scored the goal that would decide the winner of the contest.

    Freshman Kelsey Kempton attempted YSU's first scoring opportunity of the game, but had her shot blocked by Kent State's defense.

    Kate Bonn fired a shot on goal early in the second half in hopes of putting the Guins on the board, but her attempt was was saved by goalkeeper Kris Nelson.

    Jodi Bowlen took her first shot of the season late in the second half that was just wide of the net.

    Kent State answered back just four minutes later with a shot that was saved by goalkeeper Mariah Snyder. However, Heaton quickly regained control of the ball and took a shot that slipped past Snyder to give Kent State the 1-0 advantage.

    The Penguins continued to battle with the Flashes until the end of the match. Sophomore Rebecca Thomas made the last attempted to tie the score before closing out the second half.

    In her second career start as goalkeeper, Snyder collected a total of seven saves and the team blocked two of Kent State's shots. YSU's defense also only allowed the Flashes to take a mere three shots in the second half.

    The team will play next on the road against Robert Morris. Game time is set for 5 p.m. on Thursday.