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BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Kennesaw State women's soccer couldn't overcome an early second half red card, falling to Western Kentucky, 2-1, in its Conference USA opener.
Anabel Orozco scored the lone goal for the Owls off the feed from
Alana Nesbit.
Coach Chris Cahill's Remarks:
"On the road in conference is always tough," Cahill said. "I was glad to see we rose above the environment in the second half, even down to 10 players, and were the dominant team. It's an unfortunate result when we put in the work to get a point back and created opportunities they couldn't answer. We should be proud of our ability to respond but we need to own the result of this game to make us better next week."
First Half
The Hilltoppers were in control the entire first half, outshooting the Owls 6-1. They had an early corner a minute into the contest as there was miscommunication between KSU defenders as the ball rolled behind the backline. The resulting shot was wide.
Ten minutes later, WKU's Alyvia Walls hit the crossbar on her shot. The Hilltoppers pushed again but
Sara Hill dove and punched the ball out of play.
The pressure was too much as they broke through in the 29
th minute. Georgia Liapis took a shot from outside the box that was just above the outstretched arms of Hill.
KSU's only shot of the half came off the ensuing kickoff where
Sydni Whitehead was able to get a shot on target but the attempt was easily saved. WKU led 1-0 after 45.
Second Half
The most consequential play of the match came seconds into the half. Hill made a play on the ball but touched it with her hands outside the box – resulting in a red card. She was ejected and the Owls were forced to play a player down.
Charlee Bernal came in relief for the freshman.
Despite the player disadvantage, the Owls were more energized in the second half.
Brenna Young got a shot that was just deflected out of bounds, setting up a corner. On the set piece, the ball was sent into the box but the Owls couldn't take advantage of the chaos.
KSU would capitalize on these chances in the 64
th minute. Nesbit took the ball down the right sent, crossing towards the far side where Orozco one-timed the shot, equalizing the game.
The score was short-lived as an own goal did them in. WKU crossed a ball into the box and
Raelyn Prince – trying to clear it – deflected it into KSU's net to bring the Hilltoppers up one. The 2-1 deficit would hold until the final whistle blew.
Up Next
The Black and Gold will return to Fifth Third Stadium at Walens Family Field to host the reigning CUSA champions FIU. The match is scheduled for Thursday at 7 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.
