Women’s Soccer ASUN Preview: UNF vs. Kennesaw State

Joslyn Simmons

With the regular season wrapped up, the fifth-seeded North Florida (9-6 overall, 3-4 ASUN) hit the road to face fourth-seed Kennesaw State Owls (8-6-3 overall,3-3-1 ASUN) Oct. 29.

Before the start of ASUN post conference play, both teams had different fates for their regular season finale. While the Ospreys were shut out at FGCU, Kennesaw State managed to pull out an upset victory over top-ranked Lipscomb.

The Ospreys last faced the Owls in the postseason in 2012 and earned a 3-1 victory over the Georgia squad.

Overall, the Ospreys are 2-5 in the ASUN tournament this year and hold the No. 5 spot. Their highest seed ever was in the 2010 season as No. 3.

Heading into this matchup, UNF already has a 1-0 road victory over Kennesaw State on their record this season. In the Oct. 8 meeting, freshman Thais Reiss scored the game-winning goal in the 16 minute mark. On the defensive front, the Ospreys held the Owls without a single goal to secure their ninth win of the 2017 season.

North Florida has won five out the last seven matchups against Kennesaw State since 2011. There are multiple players to watch out for on both teams during the quarterfinal meeting.

Several Kennesaw State players offer offensive powerwith nine different scorers this season. Abby Roth, Ashtah Das, and Isabella Contreras have a combined 10 goals this season and may be a threat to the Ospreys.

On the defensive front, Owls’ Tiffany Sornpao has 53 saves and 6 shutouts under her belt.

For the Ospreys, eight different players have got the ball into the back of the net.

Reiss, ASUN freshman of the year, is ranked 32nd in the nation for shots per game and 68th for shots on goals. She is a versatile offensive weapon for the Ospreys at home and on the road.

Krista Colubiale, Amber Jones and Andrea Sanchez all provide solid offensive skills, late rallies and experience to matchups.

Goalkeeper Rhiannon Connelley has been a defensive presence for UNF and was ranked 71st in the nation with 6 shutouts this season.

If the Ospreys defeat the Owls, they will continue on the road to face the Bisons Nov. 3.

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