The Ball State soccer team took another hit to its Mid-American Conference Tournament chances Sunday, losing at Kent State 4-1.
Kent State entered the game 0-6-1 in MAC play, but Ball State couldn't pick up a much-needed win. The Cardinals are now tied for last with two points in the conference.
Despite scoring first, Ball State couldn't hold the lead. It surrendered four unanswered goals in the blowout loss.
"We made endless mistakes again defensively," coach Craig Roberts said. "We didn't step up to the game, and our performance reflected it. When you do that, you're going to be punished."
The Golden Flashes used their home field advantage to dispatch the Cardinals. Roberts said familiarity with the field benefited the home team, and their style of play helped them win.
"They had a matchbox-sized field in terms of the dimensions," Roberts said. "Anything within 20 or 30 yards you would have a shot on goal. We didn't get accustomed to the field fast enough and didn't play simple.
"They had the bigger, stronger players and that benefited them. It was one of those games with a lot of balls in the air and they controlled them. Their tactics on that field led to them winning."
Regardless of the fashion, the loss significantly weakens Ball State's chances of a tournament berth.
After picking up a tie in Friday's match against Buffalo, the team had posted points in consecutive matches. The Cardinals were playing well at the right time and a postseason invite seemed realistic.
With the top three teams in the MAC West coming to Muncie over the next week and a half, Ball State needs three wins to have any shot.
"I still think we have an outside shot, but we are making life more difficult for ourselves," Roberts said. "Next game if we don't get the win, we can close the door."
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