The Kennesaw State soccer team began its season with success, winning their opening home match 3-0 against Western Carolina on Friday, Aug. 17, prior to taking a 1-0 victory over Georgia State two days later.
Three first-half goals highlighted a dominant victory for the Owls over the Catamounts, with all goals struck by first-time goal scorers. Lauren Wilson, Morgan Harrison, and Kelsey Hahn made their debut goals, all of which were made possible by well-taken set pieces.
“I am absolutely pleased with the 3-0 result and thought our girls stayed with the game plan, were organized defensively, created chances and got three goals off corner kicks,” head coach Benji Walton said. “It is awesome to have three girls who didn’t have goals last year score tonight and I am happy for them.”
Wilson opened the scoring within the first 23 minutes of the game with a headed goal from a cross by Kathryn Schreck, who had received the ball from a short corner kick. Seven minutes later, Harrison scored after Wilson volleyed a long corner kick toward her. Hahn finished up the scoring on 39 minutes with her own volley from a corner kick that looped past the goalkeeper and into the net.
“All three of our goals came off corner kicks and we have been practicing them all week and our goal is to be really good and excel at them,” Wilson said. “Our defense was good and we were really organized in the back and I have to compliment Kelsey Hahn and Sydney Meador, who are always really organized in the back and do a good job communicating.”
The Owls came back to Fifth Third Bank Stadium two days later, hosting the Panthers and edging them out 1-0.
Emely Sosa scored the lone goal of the match deep into the second half after the Owls had increased pressure on the Panthers right after halftime. Kendall Higgs attempted the most shots for the Owls but ended up being the one to provide the assist on Sosa’s goal. Her laser cross beamed straight in Sosa’s direction, and she headed the ball in to put the team ahead.
“It’s always a battle with Georgia State. They always come in well prepared and well coached,” Walton said. “I am glad we were able to respond because I think Georgia State set the tone in the first half. I think we responded in the second half and made some good adjustments personnel-wise.”
The Owls travel to Alabama this week as they face Troy on Friday, Aug. 24, before traveling to Tuscaloosa to play Alabama the following Sunday.
