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LYNCHBURG, Va. – Despite tallying a late goal, Kennesaw State women's soccer couldn't overcome the deficit against Liberty, falling 2-1.
 
Addison Neel scored her first goal of the season while Charlee Bernal saved a career high 11 shots.
 
Coach Chris Cahill's Remarks:
"I thought we prepared well for the game and had some strong moments," Cahill said. "Unfortunately, Liberty doesn't make too many mistakes and capitalized on a couple mistakes we made. Luckily, Addi Neel scored a great goal for us tonight and triggered us back into the game. We must be intently focused on Delaware to see if we can start on the front foot and begin where we left this game. A complete team performance is needed from start to finish to get a result."
 
First Half
The Lady Flames were in control the entire first half, recording 15 shots compared to KSU's one.
 
The Owls got out of some trouble in the 10^th minute. Paris McCulloch denied a clear entry into the box on one play and Bernal made the diving save on another.
 
LU's Halle Engle broke the drought with her fifth goal of the season off the feed from Ivy Garner.
 
In the 25^th minute, the Owls were awarded a free kick after entering Liberty's defensive third. Raelyn Prince took a free kick but the goalie came off her line to play it.
 
Second Half
LU maintained the pressure coming out the break. It started the half with a shot that hit the post and subsequent point-blank rebound that sailed over the goal.
 
A Kennesaw State giveaway in the midfield led to the game-winning goal. The Lady Flames move the ball up the field quickly until it reached Lauren Flax. The freshman one-timed it for the 2-0 lead.
 
The Owls flipped the script after the goal. They earned their first corner of the evening in the 64^th minute but the ball couldn't find anyone.
 
Caroline Shaw and Brenna Young successfully built up play shortly after but Young's shot got the deflected.
 
Their efforts were rewarded in the 81^st minute. After winning the ball back in Liberty's defensive third, Lara Kennedy attempted a pass for Neel. The pass deflected off a Liberty defender and Neel found herself with a chance on target. The Suwanee, Ga. native blasted it past the goalkeeper for the score.
 
The Lady Flames kept the ball away from the Owls until the final whistle blew.
 
Up Next
KSU will wrap up its road trip on Sunday against newly added CUSA foe Delaware. The match is scheduled for 12 p.m. and will be streamed on ESPN+.
 
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.