By: Ryan Henry
Friday, August 21
5 p.m. (ET) – Kennesaw State (1-1-0) vs. The Citadel (0-1-1)
Location: Kennesaw, Ga. | Walens Family Field at Fifth Third Stadium
Sunday, August 23
2 p.m. (ET) – Kennesaw State (1-1-0) vs. Alabama State (0-2-0)
Location: Montgomery, Ala. | ASU Soccer Complex
Follow KSU Soccer - X / Instagram
KENNESAW, Ga. – Following its dominant defensive performance against Stetson last match, Kennesaw State soccer will play two games in three days, hosting The Citadel on Friday before traveling to Alabama State on Sunday.
Lara Kennedy nabbed her first career goal in the second half before
Anabel Orozco put the game out of reach in the 87
th minute.
The Black and Gold made history nearly a decade in the making. They conceded zero shots on target in the 90 minutes against the Hatters. It was the first time the Owls did so since their match against Alabama A&M back on Aug. 28, 2016.
The Bulldogs were picked 10
th out of 11 teams in the SoCon's preseason poll while the Hornets were picked to finish eighth in the SWAC. The Owls defeated ASU 7-1 at Walens Family Field at Fifth Third Stadium last year.
The Bernal Wall
After splitting time as the starting goalkeeper in 2025, fifth year
Charlee Bernal has emerged as the starting goalkeeper. Against No. 21 Memphis (8/12), she recorded eight saves – including her 144th career save – to climb to fifth all time in program history for saves. After shutting out the No. 21 Tigers in the second half, she kept a clean sheet for the full 90 minutes against Stetson (8/16). In the early season, she's top four in the conference in goals against average (1.00), saves (8), and save percentage (.800).
Impenetrable Fortress
In the Owls' last game against Stetson (8/16), their defense shut down the Hatters, conceding zero shots on target for the entire contest. It was the first time KSU had done that to an opponent since its contest against Alabama State back on Aug. 28, 2016. The backline trio of
Aubrey Diskin,
Paris McCulloch, and
Ashley Tan played all 90 minutes, while
Maci Stancil and
Symone Thomas logged 70+ minutes. It's the first clean sheet for the Owls this season.
Youth Movement
After 10 departures from last year's squad, KSU has ushered in a youth movement for this season. Ten incoming freshmen and one sophomore transfer means 17 of the 26 players on the roster are underclassmen. In the Owls' first game against No. 21 Memphis (8/12), five of the 11 starters were underclassmen.
Courtney Allen,
Maci Stancil, and
Ashley Tan all started in their first collegiate game.
International Flair
In addition to the youth movement, head coach
Chris Cahill has recruited international talent with an emphasis on players from The Great White North.
Julia Balchen was the first Canadian to come to the Peach State under Cahill, and four more Canadians have joined her this year.
Melianne Berthe,
Aaliyah McDiarmid,
Melissa Mert, and
Ashley Tan all join the fray, spanning from British Columbia, Nova Scotia, and Quebec. Two other fellow freshmen (
Natalie Bruno and
Sian Kellier) were born in the United States but have played internationally for the Dominican Republic and Jamaica.
Iron Woman
Sydni Whitehead hit the ground running in 2025 after transferring from Bellarmine. The defensive midfielder was one of two players last season to start every contest and finished second in minutes played at 1350. In the process, she received CUSA All-Academic Team and CSC Academic All-District honors. This year she is the Owls most experienced outfield player, having started in all 57 matches she's competed in. She's expected to lead a young Owls squad from the "6" position.
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.
