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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Sophomore Maggie Gaughan tallied the first Kennesaw State soccer goal of 2014 as the Owls dropped their season opener to Alabama, 5-1, at the Alabama Soccer Complex on a hot and humid Friday night (Aug. 22).
 
Holding much of the possession in the opening minutes, the Crimson Tide struck first in the 13th minute as Theresa Diederich slipped a pass through the KSU defense to Pia Rijsdijk, who drilled a first-time shot into the top of the net.
 
The Tide made it 2-0 just 19 second later as Diederich and Lacey Clarida combined with Laura Smith, before finishing into the lower right corner.
 
KSU found life halfway through the first half to create a number of scoring chances on three corners and two free kick services, but UA killed the KSU momentum with a pair of goals from Clarida and Hailey Brohaugh in the 38th and 43rd minutes, respectively, to take a 4-0 lead into halftime.
 
Out of intermission, the Owls pushed back as freshman Mali Kokvoll received the ball at the top of the 18-yard box, before tapping it over the Alabama defense to Gaughan, who finished into the top left corner of the goal in the 48th minute. It was the Marietta, Ga., native's fourth career goal and the first career assist for Os i Østerdalen, Norway native.
 
Alabama added a late goal as freshman goalkeeper Mady Carter saved a penalty kick attempt from Rijsdijk, but Brohaugh was there for the rebound to give the Tide a 5-1 win.
 
The Owls posted eight shots in the match, with redshirt-sophomore Brittney Reed leading the way with three shots. Carter earned her first start of her career, making seven saves in her first collegiate match.
 
The Crimson Tide registered 18 shots as goalkeeper Emily Rusk made one save in the victory.
 
The Owls return to Kennesaw for its 2014 home opener on Monday, Aug. 25 as KSU hosts regional rival Georgia State at Fifth Third Bank Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. and will be available on KSUTV.
 
To keep up with the latest Kennesaw State soccer news follow the team on Twitter @KSUOwlNation and @KSUOwlsSoccer or by liking Kennesaw State University on Facebook.
 
Fifth Third Bank is the Official Bank of Kennesaw State Athletics. Fifth Third Bank Stadium is the home of women's soccer, women's lacrosse and football, which will play its inaugural season in 2015.
 
 

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