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MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Kennesaw State women's soccer opened its season with a 2-0 defeat to No. 21 Memphis on the road. On her fifth save of the evening, goalkeeper
Charlee Bernal jumped into the top five in saves by a KSU Owl.
Tonight was also highlighted by the youth, as six different players made their first collegiate start.
Coach Chris Cahill's Remarks
"Although we are never happy with a loss, I'm really proud of the discipline this team showed tonight against an elite program like Memphis," Cahill said. "We stuck to our game plan and looked very comfortable reading the game, denying opportunities, and solving threatening moments. I'm very proud of the evolution of this team, and the effort everyone is pouring into each other and who we are becoming. We will regroup, get ready for the next game, and continue to watch this team mature towards their goals on Sunday."
First Half
The Tigers were on the attack for most of the match, outpossessing the Owls 77% to 23%, with their first shot on target coming in the first minute. Bernal made a huge save in the 15
th minute where the fifth year leapt in the air and punched the ball out of play.
Memphis's first goal of the match came after the first half hydration break. Reigning American Conference Midfielder of the Year Ai Kitagawa dribbled the ball into the box and ripped it toward the right side for a goal.
The Black and Gold's sole shot of the contest came shortly after as transfer
Symone Dorsey shot the ball right to the keeper.
With a few minutes left in the half, Memphis had a chance to extend its lead.
Aubrey Diskin attempted to recover on a play inside the box and pushed a Tiger, resulting in a foul. Under the NCAA's new video review rules, Cahill was able to challenge the call, but the ruling stood. Kitagawa stepped up to the spot and sank the penalty kick.
Second Half
KSU held Memphis to a scoreless second half. Bernal made her 144
th and 145
th career saves in rapid succession to climb to fifth in the program's all-time saves leaderboard.
After the Owls gave the ball away in their defensive third, she made another acrobatic save, like the one in the first half, to keep the Tigers off the scoreboard.
The Champions Fund
The Champions Fund is a newly created, 100% tax deductible, philanthropic opportunity to contribute strategic revenue to Kennesaw State Athletics, with the goal of strengthening our ability to recruit and retain top-tier talent in this new era of collegiate athletics. Contributions to the Champions Fund will help aid in funding student-athlete recruitment and retention, as well as helping the Owls provide competitive excellence through investments in coaching, travel and facilities. The fund will also give an elevated student-athlete experience, including enhanced academic, nutrition, wellness and leadership programs. Donate to the Champions Fund here and help us support our Kennesaw State Owls.
