By: Matteen Zibanejadrad
Kennesaw State (0-0) at Charlotte (0-0)
Location: Charlotte, N.C. | Transamerica Field
Date: Thursday, Aug. 19
Time: 5:00 p.m. EST
Live Stats | Video
The Owls were originally slated to begin their Spring 2021 season against Charlotte, but COVID-19 pandemic prevented that from happening. More than six months later, Kennesaw State and the 49ers will clash Thursday, Aug. 19 at 5 p.m. in Charlotte, N.C.
The two teams are back for the fall season and both will be hungry to get going after they nearly grasped at championship glory; the Kennesaw State Owls were stopped by Liberty in the ASUN Championship Final and Charlotte fell to Rice University in the Conference USA Championship Final.Â
After KSU's inspiring run to the finals, the fall squad carries a balance of veterans and fresh talent. Head Coach Benji Walton returns 19 letterwinners while injecting 10 newcomers into the team.Â
ASUN Championship Tournament standouts Kathryn Schreck and Becky Contreras were selected to the ASUN Preseason All-Conference Team earlier this month.Â
Schreck was a mainstay in Walton's defense, helping secure six clean sheets for Kennesaw State in the spring season. The Marietta, Ga. native left foot proved deadly on set pieces and helped her finish first among defenders with three assists.Â
Contreras earned her second-straight preseason accolade after a postseason filled with clutch moments. The midfielder got up twice to head in Schreck corners for wins against Bellarmine and FGCU. The 2019 Freshman of the Year is searching for her third-straight season with a postseason accolade from the conference.Â
Another key returner is Dylan Pixton, who started all but two games for the Owls between the posts last season.Â
The Floridian finished the spring season among the top three keepers in saves (third - 61), save percentage (third - .782), wins (second - seven) and shutouts (third - five). Pixton conceded only one goal in Kennesaw State's three-game playoff run and it was a penalty shot.
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.
