The Kennesaw State soccer team began its season by splitting two matches, falling 2-1 at Mercer on Thursday, Aug. 22, before defeating Georgia State 4-1 Sunday night.
Head coach Benji Walton is looking to take a veteran team to an Atlantic Sun Conference title this year, beginning the season by facing two teams that KSU played last year in close matches.
Last season’s top scorer Erin Harris put the Owls in the lead early, scoring on 16 minutes to get KSU’s season to a flying start.
Harris involved herself in a total of 12 goals last season, contributing six goals and six assists while also logging the most playing time on the team.
The Owls continued to apply offensive pressure during the first half but could not come up with another goal before Mercer found its way into the KSU goal.
On 53 minutes, the Bears found an equalizer and managed to defend the game for the remainder of regulation. In the second period of extra time, Mercer won the match with a last-gasp effort.
Despite having more shots and corner kicks during the game, KSU was unable to find a clean finish after the opening goal by Harris.
“Tough game for our group tonight. I thought we played well but just didn’t execute like we needed to in front of the goal,” Walton said. “It’s a tough way to start the season but a huge opportunity to grow and learn from this outcome.”
The Owls bounced back from the setback at Mercer in powerful style, knocking in four goals against Georgia State on Sunday.
In the span of just eight minutes in the first half, KSU ran rampant on the Panthers by scoring three goals in quick succession. Junior Kendall Baker opened her account this season on 21 minutes, pouncing on a well-timed through ball by senior midfielder Isabella Contreras.
Four minutes later, freshman Becky Contreras scored her first career KSU goal on a powerful header from a corner kick whipped in by senior Morgan Harrison. Contreras out-jumped several defenders to get full contact on the ball.
The Owls continued to put the heat on soon after as Baker earned a brace on a long-distance shot that sailed over the outstretched arms of the goalkeeper.
Baker’s two goals mark her first for KSU as she transitions from a substitute player to a regular starter.
Just before halftime, the Panthers scored to soften the scoreline temporarily, but Harris would make sure that the game was out of each early in the second half.
Defender Kelsey Hahn found the ball in isolation and put in a sweeping cross that found Harris just a few yards outside of goal, where she headed in the ball for a fourth KSU goal.
“I thought the girls came out focused … we didn’t just settle for one [goal] and call it a day,” Walton said. “[Baker] has been tremendous and consistent since spring … she’s the most fit kid on the team.”
KSU plays its first home match of the season this week, hosting the College of Charleston on Thursday, Aug. 29, at 7 p.m.
