By: Jordan Griffitt
Kennesaw, Ga. – It was home sweet home for Kennesaw State as they took down Presbyterian 1-0 in the home opener Sunday night thanks to a
Aly Bryan goal in the second half at Fifth-Third Bank Stadium.
"The goal tonight was to connect the dots," Coach Benji Walton said. "As the game wore on, we grew up and I think that was a big key in us maintaining the game."
Although neither team scored in the first half, there were plenty of opportunities for the Owls.
Macie Rainwater had a near goal in the first five minutes of the match in the break, but Presbyterian keeper Kelly Hall impressively knocked it back into the mid-field.
Mai Jensen also had a one-on-one opportunity early on but a diving stop to the left of Hall prevented another possible score.
At the 15-minute mark Rainwater got the ball within 10 feet but was unable to convert, marking by far the best opportunity for either squad in the first half to that point.
KSU controlled the pacing for most of the first half accruing seven of the 10 total shots in the first 45 minutes.
Within a minute of the second half, the first goal of the season came across as Bryan tapped it into the left corner after a cross from Rainwater.
Defender
Camryn Simmons made a win-saving play deflecting a shot on goal off of the rebound in the last 10 minutes after the double save from Blye.
Keeper
Allanah Blye recorded two saves, getting to 100 for her career.
Next Match
The Owls head to Mobile, Ala. for the South Alabama Tournament. They will face Troy Aug. 24 at 4 p.m. ET.
To keep up with the latest on the Kennesaw State women's soccer team, follow the team on Twitter
@KSUOwlNation and
@KSUOwlsSoccer or by liking Kennesaw State University on
Facebook.
