Women's Soccer Unable to Overcome Early Deficit, Fall to Kennesaw State, 2-0
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Despite an incredibly strong second half, the Belmont women's soccer team (1-7, 0-2 A-Sun) was unable to overcome an early two goal deficit and fell to visiting Kennesaw State (5-3-1, 2-0 A-Sun) on Sunday afternoon. The Bruins slip to 0-2 in Atlantic Sun play with today's loss.
The contest began in an immediate back and forth before the co-champion teams settled down. Kennesaw State made the first move with a pair of shots on goal in the first seven minutes that junior Sari Lin (Carefree, Ariz.) was able to halt. The Owls kept the ball deep in Belmont territory for another 10 minutes and surged in the 27th minute to notch their first goal of the game. Just over six minutes later, KSU found the back of the net again to go up, 2-0. Strategic use of the clock in the remaining minutes saw the Owls take the two goal advantage into the break.
The Bruins came out in the second stanza strong and immediately penetrated KSU's half of the field on the hunt for their first goal. After locking the ball in about seven minutes, the Bruins were able to lock the ball in Owl territory and completely shift the momentum of the game. Senior Jayme Trocino (Franklin, Tenn.) and sophomore Jane Owen Robbins (Ridgeland, Miss.) notched back-to-back shots to open the door for an offensive onslaught from BU. Substitutions kept fresh legs on the field at all times to keep the momentum swung in Belmont's favor as the team inched closer and closer to finding the back of the net. The tide continued to turn as senior Lydia Wright (Franklin, Tenn.) booted back-to-back corner kicks that had the Belmont fans on their feet in anticipation of a goal. Over the span of the next 20 minutes, BU went on to pick up six shots and four corners but was unable to capitalize on the numerous scoring chances in heavy traffic inside the box.
KSU was able to get the ball over the midfield line briefly before Belmont surged again in the 71st minute, picking up three shots and two corner kicks. The Owls worked to regain possession and managed to fire off two shots in the final seven minutes. BU earned another corner kick but a follow up header by sophomore Laura Harris (Macon, Ga.) went just wide as regulation ended with Kennesaw State able to hold on to its 2-0 win.
"I thought Kennesaw State did a good job holding onto the lead," said Head Coach Lisa Howe. "I was very proud of our subs today. After 30 minutes and we were down 2-0 and had to fight. In the second half, we just took over in time of possession, in scoring opportunities, on the end line."
"I was able to play a lot of players today," she continued. "I was extremely proud of our bench. They really stepped up and changed the momentum of the game."
"If we can get out from under this and play like we did today, we'll turn this thing around and fast."
The Bruins held the advantage in shots, 16-9, including 14 in the second half alone, and corner kicks, 11-4.
Senior Jayme Trocino (Franklin, Tenn.) led the Bruins with four shot attempts. Harris, Wright and junior Jaime Loftis (Hermitage, Tenn.) each recorded two shots on the day.
Junior Sari Lin (Carefree, Ariz.) and freshman Nicole Berner (Randolph, N.J.) split time in goal, combining for five saves.
Belmont returns to action on Friday, September 24. The Bruins hit the road for an Atlantic Sun contest at USC Upstate. Match time is set for 6 p.m. CT.
