Kennesaw State soccer gets one final non-conference test Thursday before turning its attention to the rest of the season.

The Owls, 3-3-2, travel to Jacksonville to face former ASUN rival North Florida at Hodges Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. ET.

Kennesaw State enters the matchup riding a four-game unbeaten streak, with senior forward Anabel Orozco playing a major role in keeping that run alive.

The Fayetteville native has scored three goals across the Owls’ last two matches, including an 89th-minute equalizer against West Georgia that preserved KSU’s unbeaten stretch.

Orozco was subsequently named Conference USA Offensive Player of the Week.

Orozco Is Setting the Pace

Orozco has been one of the biggest attacking stories for Kennesaw State this season.

She recorded a two-minute brace in the Owls’ 5-0 victory over Presbyterian on Sept. 10 before scoring late against West Georgia three days later.

Her goal against the Wolves came in the 89th minute, giving Kennesaw State a crucial point and extending its unbeaten run.

The numbers underline just how active Orozco has been.

She currently leads Conference USA with 32 shots and 20 shots on goal, while her 11 points rank second in the league.

Her 20 shots on goal also rank sixth nationally, while her total of 32 shots places her inside the country’s top 25.

For North Florida, slowing down Orozco will be one of the central challenges Thursday night.

Lara Kennedy Adds Another Attacking Option

Orozco isn’t the only Kennesaw State attacker finding her rhythm.

Senior Lara Kennedy has emerged as another important piece of the Owls’ attack after a strong spring.

Kennedy ranks second on the team in points and has already produced multiple memorable moments this season.

She recorded a brace in Kennesaw State’s 5-0 win over Alabama State on Aug. 23 and later assisted on Orozco’s equalizer against West Georgia.

Kennedy has started eight matches and has already played more minutes this season than she did during her first three seasons combined.

That increased role has translated into production at an important point in the season.

Bernal Anchors the Defense

At the other end of the field, fifth-year goalkeeper Charlee Bernal has established herself as Kennesaw State’s primary starter.

After splitting time in goal during the 2025 season, the Roswell native has taken control of the position this year.

Bernal reached another program milestone against Auburn on Aug. 27, recording a season-high nine saves to move into fourth place in Kennesaw State history in career saves.

She currently ranks third in Conference USA with 32 saves and fifth with a 1.27 goals-against average.

Her presence gives the Owls another experienced player behind an increasingly productive attack.

Kennesaw State Has Shown Defensive Potential

The Owls have also shown they can lock down an opponent when needed.

Against Stetson on Aug. 16, Kennesaw State’s defense held the Hatters to zero shots on target for the entire match.

It was the first time the Owls had accomplished that against an opponent since their Aug. 28, 2016 meeting with Alabama State.

Aubrey Diskin, Paris McCulloch and Ashley Tan each played all 90 minutes in that match, while Maci Stancil and Symone Thomas each logged more than 70 minutes.

It was also Kennesaw State’s first clean sheet of the season.

That combination of defensive experience and attacking production will be important as the Owls close out non-conference play.

North Florida Presents Another Familiar Test

North Florida enters Thursday’s match at 2-2-3.

The Ospreys most recently suffered a 1-0 loss to UCF in Orlando.

Fifth-year Paige McSwigan leads the ASUN with six goals, giving North Florida a proven scoring threat of its own.

Thursday will mark the 28th meeting all time between Kennesaw State and North Florida.

The Owls currently lead the series 14-6-7, although the last five meetings have all ended in draws.

That history sets up another closely contested matchup between familiar opponents.

One More Non-Conference Test

With the regular season moving forward, Thursday represents Kennesaw State’s final opportunity to build momentum before the next stage of its schedule.

The Owls already have a four-game unbeaten streak and an attacking leader in Orozco who is producing at a high level.

They’ll now take that momentum into Jacksonville against a North Florida team that has historically made this matchup difficult.

A win would give Kennesaw State another result to build on.

A draw would extend the unbeaten streak.

Either way, Thursday provides another measuring stick for an Owls team that has found some rhythm at the right time.

Community Spotlight: Building Toward What’s Next

Thursday’s match gives Kennesaw State one more opportunity to test itself before the season moves into its next stage. With Orozco leading the attack, Kennedy taking on a larger role and Bernal providing experience in goal, the Owls are continuing to build a foundation that can carry them through the rest of the schedule.

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ASN TAKE

Kennesaw State’s recent form has centered around Orozco’s attacking production, but the bigger story is the balance developing around her.

Kennedy is contributing more consistently, Bernal has established herself in goal, and the Owls have shown they can produce both attacking pressure and defensive resistance.

Orozco’s current numbers make her the obvious player to watch, but North Florida’s own scoring threat in McSwigan means this matchup could require contributions at both ends of the field.

The last five meetings ending in draws also adds another layer to Thursday’s contest.

Related AtlantaSoccer.News Stories

• Anabel Orozco’s 89th-Minute Equalizer Against West Georgia
• Previous Kennesaw State Soccer & Women’s College Soccer Coverage
• Georgia College Soccer Coverage
• Conference USA Soccer & Regional Directory

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Author: Quique Lopez

Quique Lopez doesn’t just cover soccer—he deconstructs it with the precision of a veteran and the wit of a storyteller. A former player who sees the pitch as both a tactical chessboard and a cultural stage, Quique balances sharp critiques with a genuine love for the game’s soul. He’s as quick to call out the ego of a superstar as he is to find the hidden beauty in a local derby.