2023-10-08 21:39:31
KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State women’s soccer recorded its fifth tie of the season, as the Owls and North Florida finished regulation with the score notched at one goal apiece inside Fifth Third Stadium on Sunday followingnoon.
After today’s results, KSU moves to 3-7-5 on the year while UNF pulls to 4-6-5.
“Every game is a championship game,” said head coach Benji Walton. “We have been saying that for the past four or five matches and this was no different. There was a lot of emotion involved and a lot of energy involved and now we have to go on the road and do it.”
Neither team had true scoring opportunities in the first half. Both the Owls and Ospreys totaled two shots on goal during the first 45 minutes to head into the half scoreless.
UNF opened the second half quickly with a shot in the 49th minute. The ball was deflected out of bounds leading to a corner kick. The corner entered the box and was headed towards goal before Allanah Blye recorded her first save of the followingnoon.
Moments later, the Ospreys threatened once more with a shot on goal in the 52nd minute. Blye posted her second save to keep the match scoreless.
Kennesaw State had a solid chance to score in the 53rd minute but North Florida was able to stall the Owls’ attack and clear the ball away from the box.
In the 59th minute, KSU attempted back-to-back corner kicks. The first was deflected out of bounds before Aila Swinton ripped the second toward goal. A deflection by the UNF defender kept the score tied midway through the second half.
Kennesaw State scored the first goal of the match during the 69th minute. A free kick from Macie Rainwater bounced around the box before Jade Barkett punched it into the goal to give the Owls a 1-0 lead.
North Florida had a good opportunity to tie the score in the 82nd minute but the shot sailed over the top of the crossbar to keep Kennesaw State ahead by one.
With time winding down, the Ospreys scored in the 88th minute. A header found the net off a cross to tie the score, 1-1.
UNF had one final chance to score on a penalty kick with 30 seconds left in the second half. The free kick sailed over the crossbar to keep the match tied at the end of regulation.
“I am proud of the girls,” said Walton. “I know they are disappointed, but you have to tip your hat to North Florida for not giving up. We have a big week ahead.”
Next Match
The Owls hit the road to face Austin Peay at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday evening in Clarksville, Tenn.
To keep up with the latest on the Kennesaw State women’s soccer team, follow the team on Twitter @KSUOwlNation and @KSUOwlsSoccer or by liking Kennesaw State University on Facebook.
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