KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State soccer cemented its first win as a member of Conference USA in the 1-0 final over Jackson State Sunday afternoon at Fifth Third Stadium.
The victory also signifies
Chris Cahill's first win as Head Coach of the Owls.
"This one feels good. I can't tell you it feels any different than the other ones but it's nice to finally get us on the front foot,"
Chris Cahill said. "Our girls are starting to get better and we just took a positive first and second step into the conference season."
First Half
Kennesaw State set the tone of the match early as they compiled two shots in the first five minutes of play while holding the majority of possession.
Midfielder
Anabel Orozco created the best opportunity to that point for KSU as she crossed over her defender, setting up a gorgeous cross into the right side of the box. Running down the pass was
Macie Rainwater, and she corkscrewed a rolling shot nearly through the bottom right corner of the net but was sent away by the JSU keeper.
At the end of the half, the Owls led in shots on goal 3-1 along with three corners with no score from either side.
Second Half
The theme of quick starts returned to KSU as
Macie Rainwater registered her fourth goal of the season following a precise feed from
Aly Bryan. The goal was created by a two-woman game from Rainwater and Bryan passing to each other several times opening Rainwater for strike through the middle of the Tiger defense. The ball was directed toward the left post for the score, the opposite direction the goalkeeper set up.
Rainwater's goal has tied her for ninth place in the all-time career marks with 16. She is tied with Rebecca Hall ('03-'06) and Katrina Hirsch ('02-'05). Over the course of seven shots, Rainwater has converted on four of them along with having four of the team's five goals (80%).
"We have held her more accountable when it comes to being more aggressive toward the box," Cahill said. "Macie's ability to change her runs and get players back in the game have allowed her to score goals and I think she also could've had two or three others today."
The defense was able to shoo away a couple of close attacks from the Tigers in the 24
th minute. After a free kick following the KSU foul, JSU earned an open opportunity in the box, but the shot was deflected away by
Naomi Moleka.
Five minutes later, Charle Bernal made a fabulous save with a similar chance from the previous Tiger threat. The Tigers were able to reload for a follow up shot off the rebound, but the shot was off target to the right of Bernal. The keeper was able to turn away four shots on goal in the afternoon.
The Owls secured their first win of the season 1-0 after 90 minutes of play.
Spotlights
Goalkeeper
Charlee Bernal made her first start in five games since she started versus No. 16 Georgia Aug. 15. Her start marked the third separate goalkeeper to record a start in the last three games for KSU.
Bernal held on to her first career clean sheet of her career (full game played).
The Owls out shot the Tigers 16 to 11 along with eight shots on goal versus four to the Tigers.
Next Up:
They are back to CUSA play as they take on the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs Thursday night at 7 p.m. at Fifth Third Stadium.
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