Leathernecks Open 2014 With 3-0 Loss To Kent State

Western Illinois will now open its home schedule on Sunday (Aug. 24) against Northern Illinois.

Box Score
KENT, Ohio - Western Illinois women's soccer dropped its season-opening match to Kent State 3-0 on Friday (Aug. 22).

"I want to congratulate Kent State on the win," said head coach Ted Flogaites. "I felt that they out-competed and played with more desire than us at times. With all due respect to Kent State, I absolutely do not feel that they are three goals better than us. I know it sounds absurd because they scored three and fair play to them, but we are done playing scared as a squad. We have to field a squad that is committed to every aspect of the game, not just the attractive ones. I don't envy the rest of the teams that are going to see us from here out because as a squad we've drawn a line in the sand and it's go time. Anyone who can't meet the expectation or the standards can sit on the bench and look at me hopefully to stick them in matches. We are looking forward to Sunday. We'll be dramatically better than today."

Two first half goals put Western Illinois behind by the 39th minute, but the Leathernecks had chances to put themselves in front early.

In the 19th minute, Devan Jones forced the Golden Flashes goalkeeper to make her first save of the match after Tyra Markey, Daniela Salinas and Sarah Hall all had shots blocked. Western continued to apply pressure, forcing another save in the 28th minute thanks to a Tiara Herron effort.

Kent State, favored to win the MAC East, broke through in the 36th minute of play and then added to its lead three minutes later.

Western Illinois was able to earn an early corner in the second half but could not cut into the Kent State lead.

The Golden Flashes then found their third goal in the 51st minute. The Leathernecks nearly pulled a goal back in the 78th minute, but Hall's effort was saved.

Victoria Kappel made eight saves in goal for Western Illinois.

The Leathernecks return to Macomb to open their home schedule on Sunday (Aug. 24) against in-state rivals Northern Illinois at 1 p.m.

Tweet #W1U

Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

#0 Victoria Kappel: GK; 5' 10"; Junior; Carl Sandburg

#20 Devan Jones: M/D; 5' 4"; Freshman; Hazelwood Central

#5 Tyra Markey: F; 5' 7"; Sophomore; Garfield

#23 Tiara Herron: F; 5' 9"; Senior; Washington Park

#18 Sarah Hall: F; 5' 10"; Senior; St. Joseph's

#8 Daniela Salinas: M; 5' 3"; Junior; John Burroughs / Colorado Mesa

Players Mentioned

#0 Victoria Kappel
: 5' 10"; Junior; Carl Sandburg
: GK

#20 Devan Jones
: 5' 4"; Freshman; Hazelwood Central
: M/D

#5 Tyra Markey
: 5' 7"; Sophomore; Garfield
: F

#23 Tiara Herron
: 5' 9"; Senior; Washington Park
: F

#18 Sarah Hall
: 5' 10"; Senior; St. Joseph's
: F

#8 Daniela Salinas
: 5' 3"; Junior; John Burroughs / Colorado Mesa
: M