After an offensively aggressive game and defensive clinic in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) Quarterfinal game vs. Ohio University, the top seed Miami University soccer team faces the fourth seeded Kent State University Golden Flashes in the first of two semifinal matchups Friday at Miami.
This is the RedHawks second time facing the Golden Flashes this season, winning 4-2 Sept. 30 at Kent State. The game was a fast paced affair from the beginning, as Kent was able to match the speed and intensity of Miami for much of the game.
"We need to play our game," sophomore midfielder Kelsey Dinges said. "We need to focus on our game plan, instead of falling into their style of soccer. I think we'll be able to stretch the field and put a lot of pressure on them offensively."
Kent State is coming off a 4-0 quarterfinal trouncing of Ball State University, a team that gave Miami the most problems in conference play. The challenge of beating a team twice in a season is already a daunting one, but facing a team that has shown they can light up a scoreboard could put added pressure on the RedHawks defensive unit.
"We need to be careful, not being too cocky," junior defender Sam Parrish said. "One of the downfalls of playing a team twice is going into the game thinking 'we beat them, so it won't be that hard.' Kent is very good at turning and shooting quickly before help defense can get there, so that is going to put more stress on us. We just have to be ready."
Head Coach Bobby Kramig said that a physical game is ahead for his squad. He expects a bigger effort from his team, going into the next round, especially facing Kent State's junior forward Jaclyn Dutton, who he touts as one of the top offensive players in the MAC. Dutton has 15 goals this season.
"I know we won't have a dropping off in intensity," Kramig said. "I expect even more than the OU game, hopefully with more finishes on goal. Kent is a good team; they were a good team last year. Defense is going to have to be sharp, as well. Kent can score fast and in bunches like we saw against Ball State."
Friday's kickoff is 11 a.m., and will be followed at 2 p.m. by the other semifinal game as second seeded Central Michigan University takes on sixth seed University of Toledo.
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