By: Jaylon Mitchell
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KENNESAW, Ga. – As the season draws to a close, Kennesaw State soccer will play its season finale at home against Middle Tennessee.
Last Saturday the Black and Gold won in thrilling fashion vs Jax State, securing their first CUSA victory of the season.
Raelyn Prince tallied her third goal of the year while
Mackenzie Anuska scored a remarkable game-winning kick – her first as a collegiate player.
Saturday, October 25
7 p.m. – Kennesaw State (2-10-4, 1-5-1 CUSA) vs. Middle Tennessee (9-5-3, 4-2-1 CUSA)
Location: Walens Family Field at Fifth Third Stadium
The Seniors Shine on their Day
Eleven seniors were recognized before last Saturday's match against the Gamecocks (10/18). The upperclassmen celebrated by contributing to both goals in the 2-1 victory.
Brenna Young assisted
Raelyn Prince on KSU's first goal and
Rebecca Womer set up
Mackenzie Anuska on the game winner.
Cahill's Return
After spending 11 years as an Assistant Coach at Middle Tennessee (2012-2022), head coach
Chris Cahill came to Kennesaw State. Cahill faced his former side as head coach in 2024, losing 4-2. He is looking for his first victory against the Blue Raiders since leaving the program.
Back-to-Back Brenna
Brenna Young started the scoring for KSU with her 32
nd minute goal against UTEP (10/4). With that goal and her score against Missouri State (9/28), the senior recorded goals in back-to-back games after not tallying a goal since the 2022 season. She has recorded six points across the last five matches.
A Perfect 50 for 50
Junior midfielder
Sydni Whitehead made her 50
th career start against Missouri State (9/28). The match also marked her 50
th career game played. The Bellarmine transfer started 38 times with the Knights her first two years and has started every match for the Black and Gold this year. Whitehead has played 900 minutes with a goal.
History at Fifth Third Stadium
The Black and Gold erupted for seven goals in their match against Alabama State (9/17) – the most since 2016.
Rebecca Womer had a brace while
Ava Bradford,
Caroline Shaw and
Sydni Whitehead all scored for the first time as an Owl.
Aly Bryan tallied a goal in her 50
th start with the program and
Raelyn Prince scored off a free kick.
New Name, Same Feel
On August 19, Kennesaw State announced that the field at Fifth Third Stadium, home of the Owls' football, soccer and lacrosse programs, will be named Walens Family Field in recognition of a transformative $4 million philanthropic gift from Dave and Donna Walens.
CUSA Preseason Poll
Kennesaw State was picked to finish eighth in the Conference USA coaches' preseason poll, tallying 47 total points. The Black and Gold finished seventh in their inaugural CUSA season with a conference record of 2-4-3. The conference expanded to 12 teams following the additions of Missouri State and Delaware, who were predicting to finish third and seventh respectively. Liberty tops the poll with 119 points and nine first-place votes.
Scouting the Blue Raiders
Middle Tennessee enters the contest at 9-5-3 with a 4-2-1 record in conference play. Sitting at the fourth seed, the Blue Raiders have clinched a berth in the CUSA Tournament but are still jostling for position.
They are led Emma Pettersen, fresh off CUSA Offense Player of the Week. The Norwegian is one of the best players in the conference, ranking second in points (20) and goals (8). She is set up well by another Norwegian, Idun Kvaale, who is tied for the second-most assists in CUSA at 5. As a team, MTSU ranks third in points and fourth in goals.
Sophomore Demi Gronauer has started in 14 games in goal this season, achieving a 0.704 save percentage and 1.150 goals-against-average.
The Owls Fund
The Owls Fund is the primary fundraising arm of Kennesaw State Athletics with the goal of supporting our student-athletes, coaches and each of our 18 NCAA Division I programs. Through initiatives such as Legacy Lockers, the Dot Martin Scholarship Golf Classic, sport-specific giving opportunities, general donations and season tickets, The Owls Fund connects fans with KSU's programs and student-athletes. Members receive exclusive benefits such as hospitality seating areas and events at Kennesaw State home games, and more. Join The Owls Fund here and discover more opportunities on how you can support Kennesaw State Athletics.
