Matt Boggs|The Sentinel
Julien Benjamin—Staff Writer
The Kennesaw State women’s soccer team claimed a spot in the Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament on Friday with a 1-0 home victory over the USC Upstate Spartans on senior night. The Owls began the evening by honoring six departing seniors from KSU, four of whom were on the roster for Friday night’s game.
The Owls dominated the game from the start and were able to capitalize on a scoring opportunity, something that has escaped them in recent games. The team posted 19 shots compared to Upstate’s seven, and senior Alma Gardarsdottir’s goal in the 63rd minute on a fast break gave the Owls a lead that they would not relinquish.
KSU also out-shot the Spartans on goal, by a seven to one margin. “Very pleased with the outcome,” Rob King said after the match. “It’s a game we dominated, dominated chances and then Alma stepped up with a great goal, which was really fitting. Thrilled for her to step up, she’s a quality person.”
The Owls, however, missed several shots on goal early on in the match yet again, as sophomore Maggie Gaughan failed to convert on two different open chances. Freshman Khatra Mahdi and Julia Nelson also both missed a shot on goal apiece. “That’s the area that we really haven’t put teams away,” King said. “We’ve dominated a lot. We’ve been working on it (scoring goals) in practice. All you need to do is score one more than the other team.”
With it being the last home game for the 2015 senior class, Rob King spoke about his departing seniors, Nicole Calder, Alma Gardarsdottir, Danielle Gray and Iyani Hughes, praising their contributions to the soccer program. “Fantastic group, terrific contributors on the field,” King said. “But more than that, great people, strong academically, great leadership; it’s a quality group of seniors.
“It’s been a great joy having them in the program, and our program has benefited a lot by this group. I’m pleased that the season is extending for us, and we get a chance to go for a championship.”
The A-Sun Conference Tournament will begin next Saturday, Nov. 1st, and while the Owls are yet unsure of their seeding, coach King is ready for the challenge. “I think it’s anybody’s tournament,” King said. “We’re looking forward to it.”
