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CLINTON, S.C. – Anabel Orozco scored two goals in two minutes to cap off Kennesaw State soccer's road trip. The 2-1 victory over Presbyterian extends the Owls' unbeaten run to three straight games.
The senior midfielder has been involved in all four goals contributions over the last two games, giving her seven points (three goals, one assist) during that span.
The Black and Gold get back to .500 on the season with a 3-3-2 mark.
Coach Chris Cahill's Remarks:
"I'm very happy with the second half performance tonight," Cahill said. "We had some good moments in the first and just couldn't finish. The second half we managed the game better and created opportunities. Nothing is ever easy on the road and finishing out this three game road stretch unbeaten is a good step forward for us."
First Half
The first 45 minutes saw a nil-nil draw but there were multiple chances for the Owls. They had a five-minute stretch in the early part of the contest where they had three good opportunities.
Ava Bradford facilitated two of them while
Aaliyah McDiarmid's shot in the 12
th minute got saved.
PC's best look in the first half came off a corner kick. A Blue Hose whipped the ball into the box. A player got a head on it but the shot went wide right.
In the final few moments of the half, the Owls went on a counterattack. Orozco tried chipping a shot over the keeper, but it was stopped.
Julia Balchen's ensuing look was also saved.
Second Half
After an hour-plus of scoreless soccer, there were three goals in the final 20 minutes of action. KSU struck first in the 72
nd minute. McDiarmid drew a foul inside the box, setting up Orozco for her second penalty kick in as many games. The Fayetteville native went right and blasted it for the lead.
Orozco picked up her second goal of the evening exactly two minutes later. After gaining possession in the midfield, the Black and Gold pushed the ball up the right flank.
Sian Kellier sent a cross into the box for
Melissa Mert. The freshman made the extra pass, dumping it off to Orozco on her left for the easy tap-in.
PC didn't go away without a fight. In the 86
th minute, the Blue Hose built up play and pushed the ball into the box. Bernal made the initial deny on the cross, but her punch hit the ball right to Maddie Smith for the goal.
Smith nearly pulled off the same thing as Orozco, scoring a brace in two minutes, but her equalizer attempt didn't land on target.
Up Next
After spending the last two and a half weeks on the road, the Black and Gold finally return home for an in-state bout with West Georgia. The game also serves as the program's Alumni Game, recognizing those who paved the way for the Owls. The match is scheduled for 6 p.m. and will be streamed on ESPN+.
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.
