By: Matteen Zibanejadrad
Kennesaw State (7-6-2), (4-2-2) vs. Liberty (10-6-1), (5-3-0)
Location: Kennesaw, Ga. | Fifth Third Bank Stadium
Date: Saturday, Oct. 23
Time: 1:00 p.m. EST
Live Stats | Video
The Kennesaw State women's soccer team is down to its last match of the regular season and the finale against the Liberty Flames carries major implications.
If the Owls win or draw against the Lynchburg, Va. squad, they guarantee themselves an opportunity to host two legs of the quarterfinals and a semifinal of the ASUN Championship Tournament at Fifth Third Bank Stadium as the top seed of the Eastern division.
If Central Arkansas retains its current spot as the top seed of the West, Kennesaw State will host the final as well.
Aila's Accolade
Right back Aila Swinton is the reigning ASUN Defensive Player of the Week, earning the award on Tuesday afternoon.
The freshman has impressed under head coach Benji Walton since earning a consistent starting role at the beginning of October.
The Gulf Breeze, Fla. native started well against Stetson on Thursday, Oct. 14, getting up and down the right flank to contribute in both offense and defense. Swinton's efforts were rewarded, as she found herself on the end of Kendall Higgs' free kick for the first goal of the freshman's collegiate career. The bundled-over set piece was the game winner, with the match ending 2-1 in favor of the Owls.
The defender kept up her run of good form on Sunday, Oct. 17 against North Florida. Swinton and the rest of the Owls' back four prevented the Ospreys from scoring in the team's 0-0 clean sheet.
Stellar Sophomores
Two sophomores have emerged as major contributors for the Owls this season, with Tianna Rivera and Ebony Clarke among KSU's top three players on points.
Clarke is the squad's leading goalscorer, with three of her five goals ending up as game winners.
The Canadian has two golden goals on the season, clinching wins against Central Arkansas and FGCU in overtime.
Rivera has used her pace and dribbling to set the Owls' left flank ablaze.
The forward from Miami, Fla. scored her second goal of the season in Kennesaw State's 2-1 win against Stetson last Thursday, scorching a shot off of the right post with her left foot.
Rivera also has three assists on the season, notching two of those helpers against Samford on Aug. 29.
Next Match
After the season finale against Liberty, the ASUN Conference Tournament begins next weekend. Host sites, dates and times will be announced at a later time.
To keep up with the latest Kennesaw State women's soccer news, follow the team on Twitter @KSUOwlNation and @KSUOwlsSoccer or by liking Kennesaw State University on Facebook.
