By Will Anderson / The Jambar
Nonconference play continued for the Youngstown State University women’s soccer team with another three-game road trip.
After a 0-3 record in the last road stint, the Penguins got their first opportunity for a win Aug. 28 against in-state opponent Kent State University. The ’Guins started hot with a goal in the 11th minute by junior Camille Bultel off an assist from junior Chloe Weiland.
The Golden Flashes responded just a minute later with a goal off of a corner kick. Kent State scored once more in the first half and gave the team a 2-1 lead. The Flashes then put three more in the back of the net to give them a 5-1 win and improve their record to 2-1-1 overall.
Despite the loss, the game featured the first start for freshman goalkeeper Nikki Whyte. She faced a total of 19 shots in the match and was able to notch nine saves.
The road trip continued Aug. 31 in New York against St. John’s University.
The Red Storm scored two goals in the first 15 minutes, andYoungstown State outshot St. John’s 11-2 in the second half, but the Penguins could not overcome the deficit and lost 2-1.
The Penguins’ lone goal came from Bultel off a penalty kick, which marked her second consecutive game with a goal and recorded her third goal of the season.
The ’Guins then traveled to Ann Arbor, Michigan, as they fell to the University of Michigan on Sept. 7, 2-nil.
The Wolverines recorded 17 shots on goal and scored early in both halves with goals in the eighth and 55th minute.
The Penguins mustered four shots on goal, while freshman Kamryn Rosa and redshirt sophomore Sara Felder each contributed two.
In the net for Youngstown State, redshirt sophomore Maya Naimoli collected a career high in saves with 15.
The match dropped the Penguins to 1-6 overall on the season, while the Wolverines improved to 3-4.
Despite the losses for the ’Guins, Head Coach Rich Wall said the team showcased progress with conference play on the horizon.
“We’ve seen some steady growth in each game that we’ve played,” Wall said. “Our best soccer is ahead of us, which is ultimately what matters when we get into Horizon League play.”
With the start of Horizon League play approaching, Wall said he set some goals for the team.
“Ultimately you play to win, and so we want to win the league,” Wall said. “But at a minimum, we do also just want to make sure we get into the tournament and once we’re there, anything can happen.”
Youngstown State will begin conference play Sep. 18 against the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay at Farmers National Bank Field.
Before conference play, the Penguins will face another opponent on the road tonight — Duquesne University. The Dukes come into the matchup 4-2 on the season, but come off a 1-nil loss to Bowling Green State University.
The game starts at 7 p.m. at Rooney Field in Pittsburgh, and is streaming live on ESPN+.