Kennesaw State University’s home opener on Monday, Aug. 22 ended in a thrilling 0-0 draw in double overtime with instate rival Georgia State University.
Despite 14 total shots, with six on goal, the Owls were still unable to net a goal off of the many chances they were given. Redshirt-senior midfielder Brittney Reed led the team with six shots.
Missed passes and difficulty possessing the ball characterized KSU’s play as the game started. Both sides struggled to put together a strong attack, and the first half did not offer many bright spots for the 996 fans in attendance at Fifth Third Bank Stadium.
KSU relied heavily on long passes to try to get past the GSU back line for quick scoring opportunities early. One of those passes led to a great look for senior forward Kim Fincher, whose shot bounced off the right post.
The second half offered a handful of good opportunities for both sides, but no one could find the back of the net. In the 87th minute, Fincher had another shot opportunity on a low cross into the box that she volleyed wide of the goal.
“The second half I thought we did a better job of spreading the field, and connecting a little bit more,” head coach Benji Walton said. “Our numbers get too strong sided, so we have to do a little bit better job of framing the goal and putting one in.”
With the score still knotted at zero, the match moved into a exciting double overtime period that saw close finishing opportunities for both teams. Senior goalkeeper Catherine McDuff made a heroic diving save to keep KSU from a loss.
In the final minute of the match, senior midfielder Cassidy Kemp dribbled the ball into the box for a scoring opportunity that was kicked away by GSU defenders.
“We’re still learning. It’s early in the season, and these are good games,” Walton said. “I’d rather play a game like this now. This is the kind of stuff that gets you ready.”
KSU has out-shot its opponents 23-15 through the first two matches, and the Owls have outnumbered opponents 15-10 on corner kicks. They look to keep up their strong play as they get ready for conference play.
The Owl’s next match is at home against another instate rival, Mercer University, at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26.
