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Kent State Slips Past Soccer 1-0 in Season Opener
Monday, August 25 2008

Youngstown -- The YSU soccer team opened the 2008 season at home against Kent State on Sunday afternoon. The Penguins held the Golden Flashes scoreless for 79 minutes of play before Kelly Heaton scored the goal that would decide the winner of the contest.

Freshman Kelsey Kempton attempted YSU's first scoring opportunity of the game, but had her shot blocked by Kent State's defense.

Kate Bonn fired a shot on goal early in the second half in hopes of putting the Guins on the board, but her attempt was was saved by goalkeeper Kris Nelson.

Jodi Bowlen took her first shot of the season late in the second half that was just wide of the net.

Kent State answered back just four minutes later with a shot that was saved by goalkeeper Mariah Snyder. However, Heaton quickly regained control of the ball and took a shot that slipped past Snyder to give Kent State the 1-0 advantage.

The Penguins continued to battle with the Flashes until the end of the match. Sophomore Rebecca Thomas made the last attempted to tie the score before closing out the second half.

In her second career start as goalkeeper, Snyder collected a total of seven saves and the team blocked two of Kent State's shots. YSU's defense also only allowed the Flashes to take a mere three shots in the second half.

The team will play next on the road against Robert Morris. Game time is set for 5 p.m. on Thursday.

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Penguins Add Two More Recruits to 2008 Team
Tuesday, May 13 2008

Youngstown -- Head soccer coach Anthony James announced that midfielder Dominique Ward (Shadyside, Pa.) and goalkeeper Nicole Kline (Davie, Fla.) have signed National Letters of Intent to play for Youngstown State this fall.

Ward began her soccer career at the age of seven with the Pittsburgh Dynamo team. She went on to play with PFC, IFC, Western PA Olympic Development Program and Penn's Forest.

Ward was a four-year letterwinner at Taylor Allderdice High and was one of the team's top scorers. She was also a three-time All-Section selection under her coach Chris Edmonds and was the leading goal score in the City League in 2006. Ward is currently a member of the Penn's Forest U18 Los Lobos team.

James described Ward as a midfield who is known for her goal scoring abilities.
"Dominique is a tenacious hard working player who comes to play all the time. She is a very good one-on-one defender as well. I expect her to compete for one of the starting defensive midfield positions," said James.

Ward said she chose YSU because she felt that it was the best fit for her.

"I love the coaches, the team and the school," added Ward.

Kline is a 5-foot-9 four-year varsity goalkeeper from Western High School. She was selected to the All-Broward Conference team and was named team MVP and captain. In her freshman year, Kline played a pivotal role in her team being named the 2005 5A/6A District Champions and Regional Finalist. Kline is a current member of the Sunrise Flames FC U-17 soccer team.

"Nicole is extremely athletic," James said. "This allows her to catch balls that many other goalkeepers would miss."

James also sees a great deal of potential in Kline.

"Even though Nicole is still growing and developing as a player, she has the ability to step in and start right away for us in the fall," he added.
Kline said the coaches were one of the main reasons she signed with YSU

"I choose YSU because Coach James and Coach Greg showed me that their program would be the best fit for me. YSU offered everything I was looking for in a school both athletically and academically," explained Kline.

"After meeting and talking with both coaches, I believed that I would enjoy playing for coaches that had such a passion for the game and really believed in my potential.”

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Penguins Sign Four Recruits to 2008 Team
Wednesday, February 20 2008

Youngstown -- Strikers Kara Cooper (Youngstown) and Geneva Strelka (Strongsville, Ohio) and midfielders Kelsey Kempton (Strongsville, Ohio) and Jessica McMurry (Ambridge, Pa.) have signed National Letters of Intent to continue their academic and soccer careers at Youngstown State, Head Coach Anthony James announced today.

Cooper was a four-time MVP at Youngstown Christian High School and holds all the school's scoring records. She is also a two-time all-conference player. In her senior year Cooper was voted to the Ohio All-State team and was chosen as the WYTV's Student Athlete of the Week. During her four years at Youngstown Christian Cooper compiled at total of 139 goals.

James describes Cooper as a a player with a strong work ethic both on and off the field

"She is a proven goal scorer and is well known for her ability to strike the ball with tremendous pace. Kara will run through a wall to score goals," said James. "I expect her to step in and challenge for a starting position right away."

Cooper said that Coach James was one of the main reasons she chose YSU.

“All the schools I was looking at were solid academically. However, Coach James was more concerned with what the program can do for me instead of what I can do for the program. He valued what I could bring to the program, but wanted the best for me even if YSU wasn’t it. That attracted me to Youngstown State.”

Strelka, who stands at 5'11, was named rookie of the year at Strongsville High and was one of the team's top goal scorers. She is a six year Regional State Select Team member for Northern Ohio Select, Cleveland Internationals and Cleveland Area Soccer Academy Super Y Leagues. Strelka is also a current member of the club team the Cleveland Whitecaps.

James said that Strelka has a knack for scoring important goals.

"As a striker, Geneva likes to use her pace and one-on-one attributes to get behind opposing teams defenses. She is a very technical player who is extremely strong on the ball. We expect her to step in and pick up where she left off at the high school and club level," said James.

For Strelker, the decision to come to YSU was an easy one.
"When I visited YSU I came away knowing YSU was the university I wanted to attend. The girls on the team I met seemed to have great chemistry between each other and with Coach James. I thought YSU was a good academic choice with the right atmosphere for me.”

Kempton's Strongsville High school soccer team was ranked number one in the state and number two in the nation. In 2005, Strongsville won the state championship. Kempton is a current member of the Ohio Premier North Soccer Club, who were state club champions in 2005. Kempton was also part of the team in 2006 and 2007 when it finished as state finalist. She is a four- year member of the Ohio North ODP program and was an All-Conference Selection Scholar athlete.

James was especially impressed with Kempton's competitive nature.

"Kelsey lives for the battles and will back down from no one. There aren’t many positions on the field she can’t play. However, she will be expected to challenge for immediate playing time in the defensive midfield position," said James.

"I chose YSU because of the opportunity to contribute to a growing program and play for a coach who wants his team and players to be successful," said Kempton.

McMurray is a current member of the Penns Forest Soccer Club Team and competes in track at Ambridge High School. In 2007 she was a WPIAL All-section Selection Team Captain and team MVP. McMurray's team was the PA West State Champions in 2003 and was a finalist in 2004 and 2005. She is also six year member of the PA West ODP state team. With her club team, McMurray played in integral role in being named the US State Club Champion in 2005. The team was also a finalist in 2006.

James described Jessica as an extremely strong physical player with great speed and athleticism.

"In spite of her physical attributes, Jessica is very technical player who reads the game very well. She will be expected to contribute right away in our defensive midfield or in the central back position," added James.

McMurray said that she is very happy with her decision to attend YSU.

“I chose to go to YSU because they offered the academic program that I am interested in. I also had previous experience with Coach James with my cup team and I knew that I would enjoy playing soccer for him."

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Wack and Brennan Receive National Recognition for Achievements
Tuesday, January 29 2008

Youngstown--Junior Carrie Wack was honored by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America as one of the East Region Scholar Athletes. Wack, a hospitality management major, maintained a 3.80 GPA throughout the fall semester.

Wack was also named to the All-Ohio team by the Ohio Collegiate Soccer Coaches Association for her achievements on the field. During the 2007 season, Wack played in all 20 games and was named Defensive Player of the Year and Co-MVP by her coaches. She was also chosen as an All-Horizon League Second Team selection.

Freshman Lauren Brennan was named to the National Soccer Association of American All-Midwest Team for her accomplishments at Sacred Heart Griffin High School. Players from six other states joined Brennan on the list.

With her high school season being played in the spring, the NSCAA awards are announced at the end of the fall season and then made official at the recent convention.

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Soccer Closes Out Season with Hard-Fought OT Loss to Cleveland State, 2-1
Thursday, November 1 2007

Cleveland Ohio -- Freshman Tara Morey put the first points of the night on the board for Youngstown State after battling with Horizon League foe Cleveland State for 87 minutes without a score. The Vikings answered back just minutes later tie the game before the end of the second half.

The Penguins defense continued to hold Cleveland State in overtime until Heather Clapacs knocked in the game winning goal at 97:56 into play. With the win, the Vikings will advance to the next round of the Horizon League Tournament.
Despite a slow first half with shots, YSU's offense was ignited in the second half taking eight shots. CSU goalkeeper Kelly Zinkiewich was quick to stop all the Penguins scoring attempts, but a free kick from Jodi Bowlen to Morey slipped by to give YSU the lead.

With less than a minute left in regulation, Abbie Kakias headed in the Vikings first goal of the evening from 5 yards out to tie the game.

Goalkeeper Catilin Bodzioney saved the Vikings first shot in overtime as the two teams continued to play for the chance to advance in the tournament.

Finally, Clapacs shot the ball from 5 yards out off a corner kick from Marley Greiner that proved to be the game winning shot.

YSU concludes the season with an overall record of 1-18-1.

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Penguins Conclude Regular Season with 4-0 loss to Detroit
Monday, October 29 2007

Detroit Mich. -- The Youngstown State soccer team wrapped up the regular season on Sunday afternoon against Detroit. The Titans scored the first goal at 14 minutes into the contest and then netted three more in the second half. With the loss, the Penguins take the 9th seed in the Horizon League tournament.

Nicole Gipson gave the Titans the early 1-0 lead. Tessa Brookman attempted to tie the score at 33 minutes into play, but Katie Fortenberry stopped the shot.

The Penguins kept control of the ball until the 53 minute mark when a YSU player scored on themselves. The inadvertent goal put the Titans up 2-0.

The Titans final two goals were scored within three minutes of each other by Emily Kiely to give Detriot the 4-0 shutout.

In the second half, Brookman made another shot that was saved, while Britta Snowberger's shot was wide of the net.

The Penguins will play in the first round of the Horizon League tournament on Tuesday against the No. 8 seed Cleveland State.

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Penguins Fall to Ramblers, 3-0
Sunday, October 21 2007

Youngstown -- The Youngstown State soccer team (1-15-1, 0-4 Horizon League) lost to league opponent Loyola (11-7, 6-1) on Sunday afternoon at Stambaugh Stadium. Natalie Brady and Jordan Gapczynski each attempted a shot on goal for YSU. In the end, the Penguins could not stop the Ramblers' offense as they dropped the game 3-0.

Goalkeeper Caitlin Bodzioney stopped nine of Loyola's scoring attempts in the first half. The defense also helped to keep the game scoreless until the 40 minute mark.

Cynthia Morote-Ariza knocked the ball in with assist from Lauren Gerbick and Maggie Doe. The Rambers fired back just three minutes later with the second goal of the afternoon. Nikki Staton rebounded her own shot off the post giving her team the 2-0 lead just before the half.

Morte-Ariza helped to set up the Ramblers third goal with her corner kick to Julie Kenkel inside the box. Kenkel quickly headed the ball in to give Loyola the 3-0 win.

Gapczynski attempted the Guins final shot that was saved by Colleen Dougherty with four minutes left in the game. Gapczynski finished the afternoon with five shots. Lauren Brennan attempted two shots while Caitlin Lee had on shot.

The Penguins will play in the final home game of the season on Friday at 6:30 against Butler. Seniors Tessa Brookman, Britta Snowberger, Joy Hollencamp and Christi Williams will also be honored following the match.

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Valparaiso Slips by Penguins in 1-0 Contest
Sunday, October 21 2007

Youngstown -- The Youngstown State soccer team put up a hard-fought battle in a close 1-0 loss to Horizon League opponent Valparaiso on Friday afternoon at Stambaugh Stadium. The Penguins defense did not give up any goals in the first half and only allowed one goal early in the second.
Sophomore goalkeeper Caitlin Bodzioney finished with eight saves, but could not stop a shot from Brittany Derksen at the 51 minute mark. Jessie White assisted with Derksen's third goal of the season giving Valparaiso the 1-0 advantage.
The Penguins attempted eight shots during the game including two on goal. Junior Natalie Brady took the first shot of the game for YSU that was saved by Erin Murray. Jodi Bowlen made the Guins second attempt with a shot that was just kicked out the the goal box by a Crusader defender.
Brady came out in the second half with her second shot on goal that was also saved by Murray. Jordan Gapczynski attempted her second shot as well that was wide of the net.

Youngstown State will be back in action on Sunday to take on league opponent Loyola at 1 p.m.

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YSU Gives Up 3-0 Decision to Wright State
Tuesday, October 16 2007

Youngstown -- The Youngstown State soccer team stayed within one goal of Wright State for 65 hard-fought minutes before Amber Kasmer netted two goals to add to the Raiders lead.

The Penguins defense held Wright State for the remainder of the game but could not find net to the 3-0 league loss at Stambaugh Stadium on Sunday afternoon

Tessa Brookman and Lauren Brennan each attempted a shot for the Guins in the first half before Jess Rooma's header to give the Raiders the 1-0 advantage. Megan Mattioda assisted Rooma's goal at the 38:57 minute. Mattioda also helped to set up the Raider's second goal.

Brennan took the first shot of the second half for YSU with a header that was wide of the net.

Junior Jenna Fink made the Penguins only shot on goal for the contest that was saved by Meghan Hackerson. Kasmer then did her part of secure the Raider victory with her two goals Carrie Wack had last attempt to put YSU on the board with her shot that was also wide.

With the win the Raider improve to 10-3-1 and 3-0-1 in the League while YSU falls to 1-13-1 and 0-4.

The Penguins will play again on Friday night as they host league opponent Valparaiso at 4 p.m.

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Penguins Six Shots on Goal Not Enough in 2-0 loss to Cleveland State
Saturday, October 13 2007

Youngstown -- The Youngstown State soccer team (1-12-1, 0-3 Horizon League) dropped Friday afternoon's match to league opponent Cleveland State (4-10, 1-3) 2-0. Lauren Brennan, Jordan Gapczynski, Amanda Polles and Alex Lee all attempted shots on goal for the Penguins.

Jennifer Wieand gave the Vikings the lead early in the contest with her goal at 12:32 into play. Forward Tara Morey attempted the first shot for Penguins that was high. Morey also had a header before the half that was also high. Tessa Brookman and Lauren Brennan each made shots that were wide as well.

The Penguins tied Cleveland State with 6 shots in the first half and came back in the second to outshoot the Vikings 12 to 6.

The Penguins defense held CSU until the 61 minute marker when Wieand netted her second goal of the night with the assist from Marley Greiner. Wieand's goals secured the Vikings win making the final score 2-0.

Goalkeeper Caitlin Bodioney finished with 5 saves while Cleveland State's goalkeeper collected 6.

The Penguins will be back in action again on Sunday as they take on Wright State at 1 p.m. at Stambaugh Stadium.