For the second consecutive year, the Jacksonville State and Kennesaw State ASUN Conference battle mirrored each other as an early goal was the difference in the contest as the Owls posted a 1-0 decision over JSU on Sunday in the league opener both sides.
Last season, the Gamecocks tallied an early goal in the 11th minute and withstood a scoring threat by KSU the rest of the way. On Sunday at the JSU Soccer Field, KSU's Aly Bryan delivered the eventual game-winner just past the five-minute mark of the opening half. Bryan delivered the goal from 30 yards out into the left top corner of the goal. Macie Rainwater was credited with the assist on the play.
KSU (3-5-1, 1-0 ASUN) fended odd a Gamecock rally in the second half after six good looks at an equalizer in the second half. Jax State created 11 total shots, while KSU had eight total, including six in the second half.
"Obviously disappointed in the result today, I thought we created a lot of chances and they really did not create a lot of chances and they got a really good goal from about 30 yards out," said head coach Neil Macdonald.
Macdonald noted the team effort in the setback with four players having multiple shots on the afternoon. JSU's Vanessa Mejia, Isobel Spray, Kylie Wells and Birta Birgisdóttir each had two shots. Bryan paced the Owls with two chances for a goal. The Gamecocks had three corner kick chances in the loss.
JSU goalkeeper Bailey Dean collected three saves, while KSU stopper Allanah Blye tallied five stops.
Jax State will regroup for the first full weekend of ASUN action as it will host Liberty on Thursday evening, followed by a Sunday tilt with ASUN newcomer Queens on Sunday. Match time with the Flames is set for 7 p.m. Admission is free for all JSU home matches. Both ASUN contests will be streamed on ESPN+.
"It will be a short week with two sessions prior to Thursday, but we know what we need to fix after today." Added Macdonald.
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