Kennesaw State’s new head soccer coach Benji Walton’s first official match was a step in the right direction as the Owls completed a 1-0 victory over the University of Tennessee Chattanooga on Friday, Aug. 19.
KSU senior midfielder Shannon Driscoll scored the match’s lone goal in the 14th minute on a midair pass into the penalty box from teammate Ida Hepsoe. The Owls had nine total shots in the match, with three of them being on goal.
“I made sure I had to get something on Ida’s great cross,” Driscoll said. “It was one of those fast-paced games where you just have to keep your legs under you.”
The match was physical from the opening whistle, and the Owls did not lack any ability to attack — and challenge — the Chattanooga players. Head coach Walton knew the team had high emotions heading into the first match of the season.
“They came out the gates running, and I think that helped us set the tone and helped us get that goal early,” Walton said. “I told them before the game, ‘If I have to give you any extra motivation today, then you need to check your pulse.’”
The team shined in the way they handled the ball and kept possession. Through the first half, the Owls totaled seven shots and five corner kicks. KSU’s defense stayed strong and aggressive as they only allowed four shots from the Chattanooga offense during the entire match.
KSU’s aggressive defense did not come without penalty, however. In the 24th minute, redshirt senior midfielder Brittney Reed was issued a yellow card for blocking a Chattanooga free kick.
At the start of the second half, the Owls lost the fast-paced rhythm of the first. Players weren’t allowed any corners in the second half and only added two more shots.
“Our touch got away from us several times, and it didn’t allow us to get into a rhythm. It was a combination of a little bit of sloppy play from us but good defense from them,” Walton said.
Chattanooga pressured the Owls with strong offensive runs, and KSU senior goalkeeper Catherine McDuff handled each attack and made key saves late in the game.
The Owls regained their tempo late in the second half by creating a scoring opportunity that was taken away by an offsides penalty in the 72nd minute. As the match came into the final minutes, the Owls kept the ball contained in their offensive corner, sealing the win for KSU.
The players are determined to carry the momentum gained from the win into their next match, and having a new coach alongside them is revitalizing.
“It’s like we’re all coming in as freshmen, so we’re all competing again, and that gives a lot of drive and determination in order for everyone to get playing time and everyone to do well whenever they’re on the field,” senior midfielder Driscoll said.
With the first win secured, Walton is looking forward to the rest of the matches this season, as well as having the opportunity to play the next game at home against instate rival Georgia State University.
“We’re excited to get on our field, and it’s the first time I’ll be able to have a game [at home],” Walton said. “I’m looking forward to getting into the stadium and protecting our turf.”
The match came with a bit of nostalgia for Walton since he grew up in Atlanta, but it marked a new milestone as his first win in KSU colors since being hired in January.
“Being at Kennesaw and coaching, it just feels like home,” Walton said. “I’ll remember this one for sure for my whole life without a doubt.”
The Owls play their next game against GSU in their home opening match Monday, Aug. 22 at 7 p.m.
