MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – A valiant second half effort wasn't enough to overcome the lethal MTSU attack as KSU fell 4-2 at Dean A. Hayes Soccer Field Sunday afternoon.
"It was a tale of two halves for us today,"
Chris Cahill said. "We didn't play our best half to start and MTSU took advantage of it. The second half, we put in a grittier performance and clawed our way back to challenge the game but it wasn't enough. It's a lesson to build off of going to next weekend and I know our seniors will lead us through the week to get ready for New Mexico State."
First Half
In the first few minutes, the Blude Raiders put some pressure on the Owls backline as several chances were ushered away thanks to KSU's defensive play.
With 25 minutes left, keeper
Charlee Bernal made an impressive play to send away a would-be goal from the MTSU attack. Bernal leaped to her left to block the rebounded shot from the Blue Raiders near the left post.
MTSU set the pace and pressure for the first 20 minutes of the half, tallying six shots compared to the Owls one.
A sharp attack through the left flank set up the first goal of the game for MTSU. A Blue Raider forward dished the ball to a streaking teammate on the right post and were able to convert a 1-0 lead with 13 minutes remaining in the half.
A scramble in the box allowed another goal for MTSU as they fired a fastball toward the left side of the net, going up 2-0.
Second Half
A promising opportunity started the half for KSU as
Anabel Orozco flicked a shot on goal that was saved out of play by the MTSU keeper. Two minutes in, the keeper made the diving save to the left post, keeping it 2-0 in favor of MTSU.
30 seconds later, MTSU added another goal to the tally making it a three-goal lead for the Blue Raiders.
Under the 30-minute mark, defender
Jade Barkett nearly cut into the deficit with a free kick attempt one foot outside of the box. The kick sailed just barely above the crossbar.
With 26 minutes left in the match,
Tianna Rivera converted the first goal for KSU off the incredible feed for Orozco. Moving to her right, Rivera flicked the ball over the head of the keeper for an astounding lob shot score to cut the lead down to 3-1. Orozco converted her seocnd assist of the season and her second within the last three games.
The fourth MTSU goal was scored after a plethora of deflections were taken after the Blue Raider shot, regaining a three goal lead minutes after KSU's conversion.
15 minutes left in the match, Rivera notched another goal as she converted a penalty kick toward the right side of the net, bringing KSU back within two goals.
KSU was unable to mount the comeback leaving a 4-2 final in favor of MTSU.
Spotlights
Rivera's goals four goals over the last three games signified the most over any given three game stretch in her career. It's the most goals scored by an Owl over a three-game stretch since 2021 (
Macie Rainwater).
The fifth-year senior bested her season best three goal seasons as she now has five on the year. She now leads the team with her five goals.
It's the first penalty kick score of the season for the Black and Gold.
Next Up:
The Owls lengthy road trip continues as they trek to New Mexico State next Sunday with a 2 p.m. ET kickoff time.
Donate Today:
Fans interested in making a contribution to Kennesaw State women's soccer can do so by
clicking here. Your gift will help provide a transformational student-athlete experience athletically, academically, and culturally for every KSU student-athlete. We appreciate your continued support of KSU Athletics.
Follow Along With The Action:
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.
