\n By: Ryan Henry
\n <\/p>\n
\n Story Links
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Thursday, September 10
\n6 p.m. (ET) \u2013 Kennesaw State (2-3-2) at Presbyterian (2-2-1)
\nLocation:\u00a0Clinton, S.C. | Martin Stadium
\n\u00a0
\nFollow KSU Soccer –\u00a0X<\/a>\u00a0\/\u00a0Instagram<\/a>
\n\u00a0
\nKENNESAW, Ga. \u2013\u00a0Kennesaw State soccer caps off its three-game road stint with a trip to South Carolina to face Presbyterian. The Owls are 5-0 all-time against the Blue Hose, most recently defeating them, 1-0, in Kennesaw back in 2023.
\n\u00a0
\nThe Black and Gold picked up a draw last Friday against Troy, scoring an equalizer in each half for a 2-2 final score. Anabel Orozco<\/a> was the star of the match, recording both a goal and assist, while tallying eight shots. Her eight shots are the most by a CUSA player in a single match this season. The Fayetteville native ranks first in the conference in shots on goal (13) and second in total shots (23).
\n\u00a0
\nFreshman Aaliyah McDiarmid<\/a> made her first career start, logging 80 minutes, while Caroline Shaw<\/a> got her first starting nod of the season.
\n\u00a0
\nPC is 2-2-1 in Matt Smith’s third year with the program. The Blue Hose were leading 1-0 over Wofford in the 37th minute before the match was declared a no contest due to weather. Their most recent completed fixture saw PC fall to Furman, 1-0.
\n\u00a0
\nDouble Trouble
\nJulia Balchen<\/a> and Lara Kennedy<\/a> had brilliant individual performances in KSU’s 5-0 win over Alabama State (8\/23). Both players recorded a brace while Balchen added two assists as well. They became the first pair of Owls to score at least two goals in the same game since Shannon Driscoll and Kim Fincher did it against Alabama A&M nearly a decade ago. Balchen’s six points on the afternoon was the most by an Owl in a single game since 2021.
\n\u00a0
\nLivin’ like Larry
\nOne of the nicest surprises for the Owls this season has been the emergence of senior Lara Kennedy<\/a>. After a strong spring, her production has translated, emerging as the team’s top goal scorer this fall. She currently sits third in all of CUSA with three goals, highlighted by her brace against Alabama State (8\/23). She’s started in every contest, playing a total of 416 minutes, which is more than her three previous seasons combined.
\n\u00a0
\nThe Bernal Wall
\nAfter splitting time as the starting goalkeeper in 2025, fifth year Charlee Bernal<\/a> has emerged as the starting goalkeeper. After climbing inside the top five in program history in saves against No. 21 Memphis (8\/12), the Roswell, Ga. native hit another milestone against Auburn (8\/27). She recorded a season high nine saves to give her 162 all time and become fourth in team history in saves. On the season, she’s top five in CUSA in save percentage (.763) and saves (29).
\n\u00a0
\nImpenetrable Fortress
\nIn the Owls’ game against Stetson (8\/16), their defense shut down the Hatters, conceding zero shots on target for the entire contest. It was the first time KSU had done that to an opponent since its contest against Alabama State back on Aug. 28, 2016. The backline trio of Aubrey Diskin<\/a>, Paris McCulloch<\/a>, and Ashley Tan<\/a> played all 90 minutes, while Maci Stancil<\/a> and Symone Thomas<\/a> logged 70+ minutes. It’s the first clean sheet for the Owls this season.
\n\u00a0
\nIron Woman
\nSydni Whitehead<\/a> hit the ground running in 2025 after transferring from Bellarmine. The defensive midfielder was one of two players last season to start every contest and finished second in minutes played at 1350. In the process, she received CUSA All-Academic Team and CSC Academic All-District honors. This year she is the Owls most experienced outfield player, having started in all 62 matches she’s competed in. She’s expected to lead a young Owls squad from the “6” position.
\n\u00a0
\nThe Champions Fund
\nThe Champions Fund is a newly created, 100% tax deductible, philanthropic opportunity to contribute strategic revenue to Kennesaw State Athletics, with the goal of strengthening our ability to recruit and retain top-tier talent in this new era of collegiate athletics. Contributions to the Champions Fund will help aid in funding student-athlete recruitment and retention, as well as helping the Owls provide competitive excellence through investments in coaching, travel and facilities. The fund will also give an elevated student-athlete experience, including enhanced academic, nutrition, wellness and leadership programs. Donate to the Champions Fund\u00a0here<\/a>\u00a0and help us support our Kennesaw State Owls.<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n