OXFORD, OHIO — Miami (OH) extended its winning streak to four matches Wednesday night, holding off Kent St. 1-0 in a tightly contested Mid-American Conference battle. Shae Taylor broke through in the 59th minute with an assist from Katie O'Malley, providing the decisive moment in a defensive struggle that saw both teams create chances but struggle to finish. The RedHawks improved to 11-5-2 with the victory, while the Golden Flashes fell to 8-6-5 after their first loss in two games.
Taylor's goal came off a corner kick situation, with O'Malley setting up the forward for a low-right finish that found the back of the net. The strike capped a second-half performance where Miami (OH) controlled possession and created more dangerous opportunities. Kent St. had its chances earlier in the match, particularly through Mia Cleroux and Allison Burkey, but neither could convert their attempts on goal.
The first half unfolded as a cagey affair, with both teams feeling each other out through the opening 45 minutes. Miami (OH) tested Kent St.'s defense early, with Maris Jennings forcing a blocked shot in the fourth minute. Shae Taylor had two chances to break the deadlock, but her efforts sailed wide of the target. Kent St. responded with its own pressure, though Cleroux's shot in the 22nd minute also missed the mark. The teams traded corner kicks throughout the period, with neither able to capitalize on set-piece opportunities.
Miami (OH) made tactical adjustments at halftime, bringing fresh legs into the match. The RedHawks came out with renewed intensity after the break, immediately putting pressure on Kent St.'s backline. Maris Jennings had a chance in the 51st minute but couldn't find the target. The pressure eventually paid dividends when Taylor found space and finished clinically in the 59th minute, giving Miami (OH) the lead it would not relinquish.
Kent St. mounted a response in the final stages, earning multiple corner kicks and creating some nervous moments for the home defense. Jaden Sink had a chance late in the match but couldn't direct her shot on frame. Despite the Golden Flashes' efforts to find an equalizer, Miami (OH)'s defense, anchored by solid play from its back line, held firm through the final whistle.
The statistics told the story of Miami (OH)'s dominance. The RedHawks outshot Kent St. 10-3 overall and 4-1 on target. Both teams earned five corner kicks apiece, but Miami (OH) converted its opportunities more efficiently. Goalkeeper saves favored Kent St. with three stops compared to Miami (OH)'s one, reflecting the visitors' desperation in the closing minutes.
Taylor's performance proved instrumental for the RedHawks, while O'Malley's playmaking in the midfield helped orchestrate Miami (OH)'s attacking rhythm. For Kent St., the defensive effort kept the match competitive, but the inability to generate quality chances in the attacking third ultimately cost the team.
The victory keeps Miami (OH) firmly in contention in the MAC standings, riding momentum from consecutive wins over Ohio and Ball St. Kent St. will look to bounce back quickly after dropping this road contest to a conference rival.