By: Jordan Griffitt
KENNESAW, Ga. - Kennesaw State will put its unbeaten record on the line versus two tough Alabama squads in Troy (Aug. 24) and South Alabama (Aug. 27) in Mobile, Ala. in the South Alabama Tournament.
KSU is coming off its first win of the season at home as it took down Presbyterian 1-0 Sunday evening. An
Aly Bryan goal mere seconds into the second half put the Owls on top and the defense held down the Presbyterian attack the rest of the way for another scoreless result.
It's the first time since 2018 that the Owls have shutout back-to-back opponents to start the season. They beat Western Carolina 3-0 and Georgia State 1-0 to start off the season. Another parallel to the 2018 year appears with Troy also being their third opponent of that season with the Owls winning 3-1 in Troy, Ala. That marked the last matchup between the two with KSU edging out Troy in the all-time series 2-1.
Scouting the Competition
It's a new regime for Troy as first year head coach Stuart Gore will look to flip around a program that went 3-9-4 last season. They currently sit at 1-1 with a 1-0 win over multi-time ASUN champion in Lipscomb. They followed the win with a 5-0 loss versus Auburn Sunday night.
South Alabama has been off to a fiery start scoring 13 total goals in only two games this season. They sit tied for fourth in the nation in scoring offense earning 6.5 goals per game while also coming in tied for 8th in assists per game with 4.5.
Barkett Be Ballin'
It didn't take long for UCF transfer
Jade Barkett to become a fortified presence on the KSU back line. Along with keeper
Allanah Blye, she has played all 180 minutes of both matches, just one of two Owls to do so.
Blye's Record Goalkeeping...
After acquiring the starting gig five games into the season her freshman year, Blye recorded 93 saves for a 85.3 save %. After a little over one year, Blye is the current all-time leader in program history in save % (89.0) and saves per game (5.41). She also recorded the most saves in a game in KSU history with 16 versus Liberty. The ASUN All-Freshman team member earned her 100th save of her career versus Presbyterian.
Bryan's Brilliance
The sophomore has been a contributor on the attack ever since she step foot on campus. She tapped in the first score of the season versus Presbyterian, already tying her goal total all of last year. Of her two career goals, both have been game winners (Presbyterian, Jacksonville State in '22).
Next Match
The Owls head back home to face SEC opponent Florida Sept. 3 at Fifth Third Bank Stadium.
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.
