Physical and Thrilling Rivalry Match Ends In Double Overtime Against Kent State

Sunday, October 7

Akron, Ohio

1 PM

University of Akron

4-8-2 (1-4-1MAC)

Kent State University

8-5-1 (4-2-0MAC)

OT 3

OT 4

KENTST

Akron

Photo by: Ernie Aranyosi

Physical and Thrilling Rivalry Match Ends In Double Overtime Against Kent State

October 07 | Women's Soccer

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AKRON, Ohio – In classic cross-town rival fashion, the Akron women's soccer team and Kent State turned in a physical and thrilling performance that ended in double overtime in favor of the Golden Flashes, 1-0, in a rendition of the Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center Wagon Wheel Challenge on Sunday afternoon at FirstEnergy Stadium-Cub Cadet Field.

The Akron offense went on to post nine shots in the contest, including four that came on frame. Individually, sophomore Lexie Kolano (Trafford, Pa.) posted a team-high three shots for the Zips with two of her three shots landing on goal. Following their teammate in the shot category was junior Ashley Amato (Pittsburgh, Pa.) who garnered two rips. Senior Erica Schrader (Blacklick, Ohio), redshirt freshman Charley Kale (Sylvania, Ohio), and freshmen Carly Pcholinsky (South Park, Pa.) and Sydney Worthy (Groveport, Ohio) all tallied one shot, respectively.

In the net, freshman Erin McKinney (Belvidere, Ill.) made her ninth straight start in the net for the Zips. In 103' minutes of play, the Akron netminder made six saves in the match which brings her season total to 63 saves.

The first half was physical between the Zips and Golden Flashes. The initial 45 minutes of the match consisted of just six combined shots, three from each respective team, while 15 fouls were called. Akron and Kent State each went on numerous runs owning possession for a string of time, but neither squads would capitalize.

Akron was aggressive in its offensive third end of the field and went on to garner four corner kicks in the first stanza. The Zips got a pair of good looks at the net off the corners but could not finish in the box.

Kolano had an outstanding opportunity to put Akron out in front 1-0 early with a shot from 30 yards out. After receiving a thrown in by Schrader in their own offensive third, Kolano turned, saw an opening, planted and ripped a shot that was just poked away by a leaping Kent State keeper.

On the Zips second corner of the period, Amato had an open look at the net from the top of the box but her header off Schrader's pass would land wide of frame.

Despite the chances for the Zips, the game remained scoreless at the half as the teams went into the locker room.

The offensive pressure for both sides continued into the second half as the two squads collectively posted 14 shots in the second 45-minute period.

Two of the Zips best chances to score what would have been the game-winning goal came in the final minutes of regulation by Pcholinsky and Schrader.

Sophomore Lauren Lambert (Stoutsville, Ohio) sprinted down the left side of the field with the ball. As Lambert pushed the ball forward, Pcholinsky roamed the middle of the field. Lambert struck a perfect cross into the box and found her teammate wide open past all Kent State defenders, but Pcholisnky's shot was saved by a diving keeper.

The Zips began one last attack in the final minute of play. Pcholinsky possessed the ball in the middle of the field and pushed forward into the offensive third. The midfielder found Schrader open on the right side of the box. Schrader was swarmed by three Kent State defenders, made a move to her right for an open look at the net, but her shot was corralled in for the save.

Two shots were recorded in the overtime periods, including what proved to be the game-winning tally for the Golden Flashes scoring the golden goal at the 102:14 mark of the game.

Kent State picked up a point in the Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center Wagon Wheel Challenge with its victory over the Zips.

Akron hits the road for a two-game road trip where the Zips head to Muncie, Ind., and Oxford, Ohio for the fourth weekend of MAC play. On Friday, Oct. 12, Akron squares off against Ball State at 4 p.m., followed by a contest with Miami on Sunday, Oct. 15, at 1 p.m.