The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga women’s soccer team fell 1-0 to Kennesaw State Friday night at Fifth Third Stadium in non-conference action.
The Mocs were held without a shot in the first half, but increased its offensive push in the second getting three with one on goal. Sophomore Abby Linder (Germantown, Tenn.) lofted a shot from about 40 yards out that was picked up by Owls’ keeper Olivia Sturdivant.
“As a whole I felt we worked extremely hard as a group,” UTC head coach Gavin McKinney said.
“In the second half we created some really good opportunities for ourselves. Going forward we need to add in that quality.”
Chattanooga had two close calls. Senior Skylar Brewer (Farragut, Tenn.) deeked the Kennesaw State defense, going around her defender and missing the far post on a shot that landed just wide.
Brewer was in on the Mocs second chance later in the half. She dribbled down the right side and got past her defender. She then sent a pass to the front of the goal to sophomore Amanda Ortiz (Arlington, Tenn.) who then passed the ball along to freshman Rachel Lindsay who had just entered the match. Lindsay’s shot went over the top of the goal for the Mocs’ best opportunity to score.
While UTC was held without a shot in the first half, its defense stepped up and held the Owls scoreless over the period. Junior keeper Katie Emig (Knoxville, Tenn.) made four saves in the half and ended the game with five while giving up one goal.
Kennesaw State’s goal came in the 47th minute on a header off a corner kick from Ida Hepsoe to Abby Roth to make it a 1-0 and prove to be the game winner.
“We defended well and held our shape,” McKinney said of his team’s first half. “We lacked quality going forward with the ball. However, we had a much better second half. It is disappointing but we can take many positives from tonight and learn from it.”
Kennesaw State outshot the Mocs 19-3 with six shots on goal. Kim Fincher and Monica Herrera had four shots each while Maggie Gaughan added three.
The Mocs return home to host former Southern Conference foe Elon. The match is set to kick off at 1 p.m. Live stats and video streaming will be available at GoMocs.com and admission to the match is free.
SCORING SUMMARY
No. Time Team Goal scorer Assist Description
1. 46:42 KSU ROTH, Abby (1) HEPSOE, Ida corner by 2 to 6 yard box where 22 head
into right side of goal