Week 1
vs. Western Carolina
Date: Aug. 17
Kickoff: 7 p.m. (ET)
Location: Kennesaw, Ga.
Stadium: Fifth Third Bank Stadium
Series: Western Carolina leads, 1-0
Last Meeting: WCU, 3-2, 2016 
Live Stats: www.KSUOwls.com
Live Video: ESPN+
KSU Notes

vs. Georgia State
Date: Aug. 19
Kickoff: 7 p.m. (ET)
Location: Kennesaw, Ga.
Stadium: Fifth Third Bank Stadium
Series: Kennesaw State leads, 4-2-2
Last Meeting: KSU, 4-3, 2017 
Live Stats: www.KSUOwls.com
Live Video: ESPN+

Game Preview
The Kennesaw State Soccer team opens its 17th season since the program was instituted in 2002, and third under head coach Benji Walton, when it hosts Western Carolina Friday at Fifth Third Bank Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. (ET).

Following Friday's opener, the Owls return to Fifth Third Bank Stadium on Sunday to host Georgia State beginning at 7 p.m. (ET). 

Owls on ESPN+
This weekend's matches will air live on ESPN+ with Nathan McCreary and Brittney Reed calling the action. Fans can purchase the digital platform for $4.99 a month or $49.99 for a year's subscription that provides access to all events broadcast on the network.

Quoting Head Coach Benji Walton
"We are thrilled to get preseason behind us and get into games that count. We challenged ourselves with two very difficult exhibitions and while they tested us, I really believe those experiences will prove beneficial. We did get exposed at times in both games, but I thought we did a good job finding our composure and eventually getting into a good rhythm. I am pleased with the progress we made in such a short time and think we have put ourselves in position to compete right away. The key will be our execution and communication. I really think if we are smart under pressure, we will give ourselves a great chance for a positive outcome each game." 

A Look Back at 2017
Kennesaw State concluded the 2017 campaign with an 8-7-4 mark, including a 3-3-1 mark in ASUN Conference play. 

The Owls' season concluded with a 1-0 loss at Lipscomb in the semifinals of the ASUN Conference Tournament.  

Three Owls garnered postseason honors as seniors Abby Roth and Ashtah Das earned first and second team ASUN Conference accolades, respectively. Rookie goalkeeper Tiffany Sornpao was voted to the ASUN's All-Freshman team.

Scouting Western Carolina
The Catamounts, who begin their ninth season under head coach Chad Miller, are coming off a 9-10-2 campaign in 2017. Western Carolina is picked to finish fourth in the Southern Conference according its head coaches.

Senior midfielder/forward Megan McCallister returns to the Catamounts in 2018 after leading the team with 26 points (10 goals, 6 assists) last season. Redshirt junior Jacquelyn Gnassi posted a 7-6-1 record, 1.14 goals against average and four shutouts while playing 17 matches in goal for the Catamounts.

Series Versus Western Carolina
The Catamounts lead the all-time series, 1-0, after recording a 3-2 home victory in 2016.

Scouting Georgia State
The Panthers posted a 3-11-3 mark a season ago under then second-year head coach Ed Joyce.

Sophomore Alex Addington, who totaled four points a year ago, returns as Georgia State's leading scorer. The Panthers lost their top three points leaders from last season. 

Series Versus Georgia State
Kennesaw State holds a 4-2-2 advantage in the series. After playing to a draw in their previous two meetings with Georgia State, the Owls posted a 4-3 road victory last season. 

Owls in Season Openers
Kennesaw State has posted a 9-6-1 record in season openers dating back to 2002. KSU opened the year 1-0 in 2015 and 2016 before playing Winthrop to a 1-1 draw to begin the 2017 campaign. KSU is 5-2 in home season openers. 

Kennesaw State Team Notes
• The 2018 Kennesaw State roster includes two seniors, four juniors, 12 sophomores and eight freshmen. 
• Kennesaw State was picked to finish sixth in the ASUN Conference preseason coaches' poll after receiving 43 points. Defending conference champion Florida Gulf Coast topped the poll, totaling eight first-place votes and 80 points.

Next Up
Following this weekend's action, Kennesaw State will begin a stretch of four straight road contests when it travels to the state of Alabama to visit Troy on Aug. 24 before meeting Alabama in Tuscaloosa on Aug. 26.

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.
 

-- #GoKSUOwls -

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