Owls Make a Statement With Seven-Goal Thrashing
Kennesaw State women’s soccer showed no mercy on Tuesday night, dominating from kickoff to final whistle in a 7-1 rout of Alabama State at Fifth Third Bank Stadium. The seven-goal outburst ties for the fourth-most in program history and sends a clear message ahead of conference play.
The night was packed with milestones. Senior Aly Bryan marked her 50th career start with a goal, while Ava Bradford, Caroline Shaw, and Sydni Whitehead each netted their first-ever goals for the Black and Gold.
For a team still finding its rhythm under head coach Chris Cahill, the performance was exactly what the Owls needed.
Coach Cahill on the Win
“It was a great performance by the team tonight and we had a lot of firsts,” Cahill said post-match. “Mostly, I want to thank AD Milton Overton, Cara Gaskins, Marketing, the EVM staff, Alabama State and all of our operations and grounds staff for the heavy lift to help us get this game together at the last minute. We appreciated the extra hours everyone put in and I hope we returned the favor tonight.”
First Half: Early Control
The Owls wasted no time asserting dominance. In the 7th minute, Raelyn Prince swung in a corner kick to Ava Bradford, who laid it off for Rebecca Womer to slot home the opener.
Fifteen minutes later, KSU doubled the lead. Another Prince corner found Bradford unmarked inside the box for her first career goal.
In the 33rd minute, KSU nearly made it three when Prince earned a penalty kick, but her strike down the middle was denied by the Hornets’ keeper. The Owls carried a 2-0 lead into halftime.
Second Half: Chaos and Celebration
- The game exploded in the 54th minute with three goals in three minutes.
- Sydni Whitehead curled a strike into the far post for her debut goal.
- Just moments later, Aly Bryan capped her 50th start with a clinical finish inside the box.
Alabama State answered back through Emmanuella Yapi, who sprinted on a counter and scored past Sara Hill to spoil the shutout.
But the Owls weren’t done.
In the 82nd minute, Anabel Orozco set up Caroline Shaw for her first goal in Black and Gold. Two minutes later, Prince made amends for her missed penalty, rifling home a free kick to close out the 7-1 scoreline.
Up Next: Conference USA Opener
The Owls now turn their focus to Conference USA play, opening on the road against Western Kentucky this Sunday at 2 p.m. Fans can catch the match live on ESPN+.
With momentum from a historic offensive performance, KSU heads into league play confident and battle-tested.
Why This Win Matters
For Kennesaw State soccer fans, this result shows that the Owls’ attack is starting to click at the right time. Milestone goals for younger players like Bradford, Shaw, and Whitehead hint at a bright future, while Bryan’s consistency provides veteran leadership.
For Atlanta-area soccer parents, it’s another reminder that Georgia is becoming a hub for collegiate soccer talent. Performances like these inspire local players to dream of reaching Division I programs like KSU.
For the broader Atlanta soccer community, the match reinforces that the city’s soccer culture isn’t limited to Atlanta United—it thrives at every level, from youth to college to pro.
What This Means / Next Steps
The seven-goal explosion could spark a new era of confidence for the Owls. With conference matches looming large, Cahill’s squad has proven they can generate offense from multiple players—a crucial trait for the grind ahead.
If the Owls can carry this attacking rhythm into C-USA play, they could be a sleeper contender for postseason honors.
Final Thoughts
Kennesaw State women’s soccer didn’t just win—they announced themselves. A 7-1 demolition of Alabama State, complete with career milestones and program history, sets the stage for an exciting run in conference play.
What do you think—can this KSU squad turn momentum into a Conference USA title challenge? Drop your thoughts in the comments below or join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook @AtlantaSoccerNews.
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.