Women’s soccer (13-1-4, 7-0-4 MAC) defeated Kent State (4-7-7, 4-2-5 MAC) 2-0 to claim the Mid-American Conference regular season title Thursday. The Bulls clinched the title after going undefeated for 15 straight games, breaking the 2014 team’s previous record of 14 undefeated games. With the victory, UB has earned home-field advantage throughout the MAC tournament.
The Bulls started strong against Kent State with a top-of-the-net goal from sophomore forward Jasmine Guerber in the 12th minute, putting the Bulls up 1-0. Senior midfielder and defender Payton Robertson had the assist.
UB kept the pressure on the Golden Flashes throughout the game. In the 26th minute, Roberston passed the ball to senior forward Leah Wengender, who gained separation in the box. She netted a ball in the top left corner of the goal, extending the Bulls’ lead to 2-0.
At the end of the first half, fifth-year goalkeeper Emily Kelly saved a shot on net from redshirt junior forward Lauryn Arruda to stop Kent State from scoring in the 44th minute. The Golden Flashes recorded six shots in the first half but were unable to convert against the Bulls.
To start the second half, Wengender took a shot that went over the top of the goal in the 46th minute. UB had four corner kicks in the first 10 minutes of the half that they were unable to score from. In the 73rd minute, freshman defender Ellie Simmons took a free kick from just outside of the box that missed and went right of the goal.
Kelly was tested again in the 83rd minute when Kent State shot a ball to the center of the net that posed a threat to the Bulls’ clean sheet. Kelly made the save, keeping the score at 2-0.
When the final whistle blew, the Bulls rushed on the field to celebrate winning the regular-season MAC championship. This is the 3rd time the Bulls have won the regular-season championship and the first since 2014.
With their last regular season game complete, the Bulls finish the season with no losses in conference play. The team recorded 12 shutouts, only allowing eight goals all season while scoring 33 of their own. UB will take on No. 5 seed Miami (OH) at UB stadium on Thursday at 5 p.m. in the MAC tournament semifinals. The game can be streamed on ESPN+.
The sports desk can be reached at sports@ubspectrum.com
Photo: Ryan Hagen | UB Athletics
