KENNESAW, Ga. – Stella Kiss’ penalty shot in the 62nd minute proved to be the game-winner as UAB recorded its first victory of the season, 2-1 at Kennesaw State on Sunday afternoon.
The Blazers (1-1-0) got on the board in the 29th minute when Ava Martin was set up by Kiss, whose long pass found Kristen Goodroe on the right side. Goodroe slid the ball to Martin in the box for the tap in.
Kiss, who is now 3-for-3 on PKs for her career, was pulled down in the box and awarded the kick in the 61st minute. She got KSU keeper Dylan Pixton to jump right as she buried the ball straight down center.
The Owls (0-2-0) tallied their only goal in the 69th minute.
Anika Toth played all 90 minutes for UAB to earn the win in net.
The Blazers outshot the Owls 19-5, with 11 coming in the first half. Kiss recorded a career-high seven shots, while Martin added five and Morgan Halliwill three.
UAB’s backline only allowed five KSU shots, two on target. ASUN Preseason All-Conference Team selection Kathryn Schreck was held shotless.
“It is always nice to get the first win and even better on the road where we need to improve as a program,” said head coach Erica Demers. “I thought Ava Martin really stepped up today with us not having Lexxe Lipsey in the line-up. She scored an awesome goal from a well-placed cross from Kristen Goodroe.”
Lipsey was not in uniform after being issued a red a card in Thursday night’s game against Chattanooga.
“It was a great team win for us today and nice to close out the weekend 1-1 away from home,” added Demers.
The Blazers return home to Birmingham next week. On Thursday, they travel to crosstown rival Samford before the home opener against Arizona State on Aug. 29.
Women’s Soccer season tickets are on sale by purchasing the 2021-22 Gold Card for $65 here. The 2021-22 Gold Card will get you access to all home events for Women’s Soccer, Men’s Soccer, Volleyball, Women’s Basketball, Softball, and Baseball (Regions Field & Young Memorial). This card is not valid for Conference USA or NCAA Championship events.
For more information on the UAB women’s soccer team, follow @UAB_WSoc on Twitter and Instagram.
