The Kent State University soccer program is gearing up for the 2026 campaign, opening its season at home against Cleveland State on Thursday evening.
The match, scheduled for 7 p.m. at Zoeller Field on the historic Dix Stadium campus, marks the fifth consecutive season‑opener between the two Northeast Ohio schools and the 19th meeting overall.
A veteran‑laden lineup
Returning for the Flashes are 19 players from a team that finished last season with an 8‑6‑6 record. Seniors Samantha Miller and Josie Morgan headline the attack, having combined for the bulk of the scoring last year.
The midfield and defense also retain key contributors, including goalkeeper Leah Shaffer, who started every game in 2025, and a back line of Allison Collins, Ali Weibel, Allison Burkey and Ava Todd.
Adding fresh firepower, the team welcomes All‑American forward Lila Simon of Monclova, Ohio, along with fellow newcomers Clara Monck and Mia McLean Mercier, both members of the Canadian U‑17 national side.
Cleveland State’s outlook
The Vikings finished 2025 with a 4‑6‑7 overall record, placing eighth in the Horizon League with a 1‑3‑6 conference slate.
Coach Hayleigh Lewis, a graduate student who logged 65 saves last season, returns between the posts, while Cortlyn Hefty, who accounted for four of the team’s 17 goals, leads the offensive threat.
Defensive anchors Rauri Dever and Nikolina Miskovic also return, providing experience to a squad hoping to improve on last year’s finish.
The upcoming road test against the University of Kentucky on Sunday at 1 p.m. will be the next challenge for both programs as they fine‑tune their line‑ups before conference play.