KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Western Michigan women's soccer team stayed in first place in the MAC with a 4-1 victory over Kent State this afternoon at the WMU Soccer Complex. The win also secured WMU's spot in the MAC Tournament.
Avery Peters tallied two goals, while
Drew Martin and
Justina L'Esperance each added one.
Reagan Sulaver earned her 11th win of the season in net.
FIRST HALF
Abby Smothers and Peters had quality looks in the opening minutes of the game, and the Broncos continued to apply pressure throughout much of the first half. The Brown and Gold eventually broke through in the 29th minute, as Peters found the back of the net to make it 1-0.
Not even a minute later, Peters was able to strike again, diving to head the ball into the net for a 2-0 WMU lead. The Western Michigan offense wasn't done there, as a shot deflected to Martin out in front. She ripped a shot inside the right post to make it 3-0 in favor of the home team.
Neither team would get a shot in the final eight minutes of the half, and the Broncos carried a three-goal advantage into the second half.
SECOND HALF
After a Sulaver save to open the half, Smothers tried her luck and had a shot sent away. Kent State would get a goal back in the 70th minute, making the score 3-1.
Not long after that,
Kailah Newcomb nearly added a fourth goal, but her shot was handled by the KSU keeper. However, Western Michigan would add a fourth goal in the 82nd minute, as Martin ripped a shot off the crossbar which then hit the foot of L'Esperance. She hit the back of the net to make it 4-1 Broncos.
Down the stretch, WMU's defense would hold strong and close out a 4-1 victory.
UP NEXT
The Brown and Gold will head on the road to play Akron on Oct. 23. The two teams will hit the field at 6:30 PM.
