Aug. 19, 2006
KENNESAW, Ga. - Kristin Stewart and Kori Hoelscher each scored late in the second half to give the Auburn Tigers a 4-2 win over the Owls in the final exhibition match of the season on Saturday night.
Before a crowd of nearly one thousand at the KSU Soccer Complex, the Owls (1-1-0) fell behind in the 17th minute when Kara Kasten's through ball beat Staci Pugh for a 1-0 Auburn lead.
Pugh, the Owls freshman goalkeeper, was impressive in the first major test of her collegiate career. Pugh stopped five shots including a pair of breakaways as she played all ninety minutes.
""Staci had a very good game," said head coach Rob King. "Especially going against that level of competition. Her handling was good and it was a good learning experience for her."
The Owls got back in the game quickly as Laura Tucker scored on a diving header in the 24th minute. The Owls senior took a pass from Whitney Marler and streaked the side of the net and struck the floating pass into the top right of the goal, beating the Tigers keeper, Anna Fiser.
"At halftime we were in the game," said King. "And I thought that we the better part of the end of the half."
Jenny Zarour gave Auburn a 2-1 lead early in the second half as she took a Gabi Rivera pass and delivered the goal just inside the 18-yard box.
Pip Meo tied the game for Kennesaw State scoring off a head flick by Maylee Attin-Johnson in the 55th minute.
"It was great that we were able to get back in the game twice," added King. "We just ran out of legs late."
Stewart provided the game winning goal in the 66th minute when she right-footed a grounder past Pugh into the left corner. Hoelscher provided the final goal with a 35-yard shot to the upper left corner.
"Auburn deserved to win the game tonight, complimented King. "We learned a great deal from the game tonight. It was the first time a number of our freshman have been in a game this quick."
The Owls open up the regular season on Friday night, August 25 when they play host to the Georgia State Panthers at 7:00 p.m. at the KSU Soccer Complex.
