By: KSU Sports Information
Live Stats
Game Notes
KENNESAW, Ga. - After a 2-2 start to begin its 2011 season, the Kennesaw State women's soccer team looks to capitalize on a six-match, 23-day homestand, starting on Friday night against Samford at 7 p.m.
The Black and Gold (2-2) have split both weekends of their young season, including its most recent one with a 1-0 win in their home opener against the College of Charleston last Friday night, but then fell to Auburn on Sunday evening.
KSU now looks to earn its first weekend sweep of the season this weekend, and for that to happen the Owls will have to continue its sold offensive play. Kennesaw State currently leads the Atlantic Sun Conference in all three offensive triple crown categories. The Owls are first in points with 28, first in goals with 10 and tied for first with North Florida in assists with eight.
The duo of senior Alyssa Mahan and redshirt-freshman Katrina Frost continue to highlight the Black and Gold's attack. Mahan leads the A-Sun in points (7) and assists (3), while Frost is tied for the conference lead in goals (3) and shots (16).
Every soccer team also prides itself on its defense and when the Owls play at home there are very few teams in the country that boast better defensive numbers. KSU has played in nine home games since KSU Soccer Stadium was opened in 2010. Only once in those nine games has an opposing team scored more than one goal (Wyoming, 2 - Sept. 5, 2010), and as a team at home the Black and Gold have an average of 0.56 goals allowed per game.
Senior co-captain Katie Schwartz talks about the Owls dominant defensive play at home, and how the KSU defense is progressing so far this season.
"Playing at home definitely helps because our fans give us energy, they also give our opponents a little bit of a hard time and we are just comfortable playing here," Schwartz said. "Our defense was shaky at the beginning of the season, but we have been working hard to improve and we look to have another solid game against Samford on Friday night."
Samford (1-3) is coming off a 2-0 loss on Aug. 28 against No. 25 Memphis. The Bulldogs were picked to finish in second place in the Southern Conference Preseason Poll, finishing last season with a record of 13-5-3 (8-2-1 SoCon). Samford is led by senior goalkeeper Alyssa Whitehead who leads the SoCon in saves with 25.
KSU has an impressive all-time record of 8-2-3 against teams from the Southern Conference.
Fans are encouraged to bring their dogs to the game as Friday is Bark N’ Hoot night. Friday also marks the fourth annual College Colors Day so fans are asked to show their KSU pride by wearing Black and Gold to the game. For more information on Bark N' Hoot Night please click the following link: http://www.ksuowls.com/sports/2011/7/21/WSOC_0721111202.aspx?id=150
