KENNESAW STATE 2, NORTH FLORIDA 1

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KENNESAW, Ga. – Senior Maggie Gaughan scored the second of her two goals late in the second half to break a 1-1 tie and lead the Kennesaw State women's soccer team to a 2-1 victory over North Florida in an ASUN Conference match Friday night in Jacksonville.
 
After the Ospreys (4-5-2, 0-2-0) tied the score on a free kick, the Owls answered less than five minutes later when freshman Isabella Contreras fed Gaughan, who shot the ball past the North Florida goalkeeper.

BENJI BITES
"It was great to come back with a goal after they scored," head coach Benji Walton said. "We've been talking about that all week, telling the girls to just calm down, play our kind of soccer and be composed. We were much more composed and I think that was the difference. I am very proud of the way the team played tonight."
 
WALTON ON THE GAME-WINNER
"Isabella beat two defenders, which she is good at doing, picked up her head and made a great cross to Maggie, who made a terrific goal. I thought Maggie was extremely active tonight and her runs were just outstanding, and that was a big pick-up for us tonight."
 
WALTON ON MADY CARTER'S FIRST START
"Mady has had a tough round of injuries the last couple of years and has finally been cleared to play. I have a lot of confidence in all of our goalkeepers, and Mady had a good week of practice and earned the start. The one thing about her is she brings a lot of calm back there with how she plays and it rubs off on our defense."
 
WALTON ON NEXT OPPONENT JACKSONVILLE
"It's going to be tough. Jacksonville lost 2-1 late to Lipscomb and is feeling confident. They're going to be well prepared and I told the team that we have to complete the weekend and will have our work cut out for us."
 
MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
Quick Strike: The Owls wasted little time taking an early advantage as they scored less than 10 minutes into the match when Gaughan took possession at midfield and scored on a breakaway.
 
North Florida Ties It: After a foul just outside the box, UNF's Gabrielle Liquori scored the equalizing goal with 25 minutes remaining in regulation.
 
Gaughan Connects for Game-Winner: The Owls responded with some late-match magic, when freshman Isabella Contreras crossed the ball in to Gaughan, who converted the shot in the 69th minute for the game-winner.
 
STATISTICALLY SPEAKING
 * Maggie Gaughan's early goal marked the 10th time in 12 contests this season that Kennesaw State scored the first goal of the match.
 * Junior goalkeeper Mady Carter made her first start of the season and recorded seven saves.
* After being out-shot 6-3 in the first half, Kennesaw State had a 10-8 shot advantage in the second half. For the game, the Ospreys out-shot the Owls, 14-13, and shots-on-goal were even at 8-8.

WHAT'S NEXT
The Owls are back in action on Sunday (Oct. 2) when they visit Jacksonville to close out the weekend. The two teams will kick off at 2 p.m. (ET).
 
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, the signature athletics landmark on the Kennesaw State University campus, is a world-class facility that has been recognized as one of the premier multi-use outdoor athletics venues in the country. In the fall of 2015, it become the official home of Owls football team and is home to Owls soccer and lacrosse as well.