by As October paints a stunning backdrop, Miami University welcomes Kent State to Bobby Kramig Field on a beautiful first day of the month.
The game started off with a tap-in from Miami’s Mackenna Morrison (22) passing over to Camber Hayes (11).
The initial 45 seconds were riveting as the first shot of the game came in by KSU Senior Callie Cunningham (2). This shot was blocked by RedHawks goalie freshman Dominique Popa (1).
As Miami regains possession and returns to their side of the field, several of their players struggle to maintain their footing, likely due to the previous weather conditions from a weekend of rain.
However, the RedHawks managed to fire off a shot back, demonstrating a balanced performance on the field and setting the stage for what promised to be an exciting matchup.
Even with the KSU goalie blocking the shot, it was evident that the RedHawks remained resolute and undeterred in their pursuit of victory.
In a dynamic play, Kent State swiftly gained possession of Miami’s ball and dashed across the field. As a Kent State and Miami player engaged in a head-to-head sprint.
With KSU Determined to bypass the goalkeeper and secure a goal. They ran into Miami’s goalie Popa (1), a vigorous collision. Popa(1) managed to block the attempt with her entire body, showcasing remarkable resilience as she continued to play after the intense collision.
A huge rally would come into play when Miami fired off a shot at the KSU net directly after the collision, making their way quickly to the other side of the field. Followed shortly would be another close miss by KSU, demonstrating an intense back-and-forth exchange.
Miami would have a comeback with another close corner shot narrowly missing the target. Highlighting Junior Taylor Hamlett (32) with a great header saved by KSU goalie Sarah Melèn (0).
Miami’s Morhèa Hoefen (26) continued to execute an impressive defensive play, engaging in a scramble with a Kent State player. As she surged up the field, an additional Kent State player stepped in to challenge her advance towards the net.
In a bold move, she attempted a shot, but her effort was thwarted by the combined defensive efforts of two KSU players.
In the final two minutes of the first half, the intensity on the field was tangible. A straight shot by KSU’s Arthur Alisa, directed high and center, was met with a remarkable save by Miami’s goalkeeper Popa (1), maintaining the equilibrium.
However, the excitement was momentarily dampened as a KSU player was deemed offside during the play, denying what could have been a game-changing goal for Kent State.
The action didn’t stop there, with Kent State launching two more shots in quick succession. The ensuing chaos saw four players tangled up, desperately vying for control of the ball.
The Kent State offense threw everything they had at it, but the ball refused to cross the line. The second shot by KSU’s Josie Morgan (25), aimed low left, appeared destined for the net, but once again, Popa (1) delivered a crucial save for Miami.
The stadium erupted with excitement and anxiety as the clock ticked down, and it seemed like anything could happen. In those last two minutes of the first half, it was a relentless battle on the field, with players from both teams giving their all, resulting in a thrilling display of soccer prowess.
The halftime whistle blew, leaving the score knotted at 0-0. With both teams brimming with optimism, it was time to convene with their teammates and coaches to strategize the course of the remaining match.
The second half kicked off with a burst of energy as Miami’s Haley Anspach (12) , unleashed a powerful low shot to the right, only to be met with an impressive save by the KSU goalkeeper Melèn (0).
In a swift response, Kent State fired back with a shot from Junior Siena Stambolich (7), but Miami’s goalkeeper Popa (1) was equally up to the task, making a crucial save.
The intensity on the field remained palpable as both teams continued to showcase their defensive prowess, setting the stage for an exciting second half of play.
Lofty passes would shortly be sent across the field, their flight resembling the graceful arc of a rainbow. It was clear that both sides were determined to be the first to find the back of the net in this closely contested game.
Senior on KSU, Giulia Giovinazzi (10) made a determined attempt with a shot, but her effort was thwarted by a resolute defense by Popa (1).
However, Miami seized the advantage as their goalkeeper launched the ball with precision to the opposite end of the field.
In a spectacular turn of events, junior Taylor Hamlett (32) unleashed a low shot to the left, finding the back of the net, marking the first goal of the game. Madeline Schlecht (33) provided the crucial assist, and Miami took the lead in this exciting matchup.
In a dramatic final push to equalize, KSU’s Alisa Arhut (11) took a high shot that narrowly missed the goal, leaving the crowd in disbelief.
The shot came agonizingly close to finding the net, at an angle that would have made it nearly impossible for Popa (1) to make a save.
The tension continued to mount as the Miami goalkeeper made yet another crucial save, this time denying a shot from Dalaney Ranallo (8) of KSU in the right corner.
It was a nail-biting sequence of events that kept the fans on the edge of their seats. As the clock ticked down, the last few seconds saw KSU giving it their all to level the score.
However, in the closing moments of the game, Miami executed a spectacular kick that sent the ball soaring to the other side of the field in the last few seconds. This triumph marked a significant win for Miami, capping off an intense contest with a memorable victory.
Post-game, we had the honor of conducting an interview with Taylor Hamlett (32), who showed multiple attempts at hitting the back of the net this game.
Hamlett told us, “The biggest thing that changed between our past few games to today is we had not been in it for the full 90 minutes, but today we did not take a single play off,” she explained passionately.
With unwavering dedication, she emphasized, “The hardest minute of the game is the 89th minute, and we treated every single minute in the game like that.”
Despite being considered the underdogs due to their recent losing streak, Miami’s outstanding achievement in this game spoke volumes about their unyielding commitment and determination.
Photo credits: Brian Mack
