BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Samford University soccer team will begin play in a critical two-match homestand Friday at 7 p.m. (CDT) as the Bulldogs welcome the Kennesaw State Owls to the Samford Track and Soccer Stadium for an early-season, non-conference showdown.
 
“It's been nice to come back home and we're looking forward to playing against a really good team on our home field,” said Samford head coach Todd Yelton. “It's not going to be an easy task for us because Kennesaw State is a very talented team and they always give us a tough time.”
 
Samford (3-3) heads into Friday's contest riding the positive momentum of a three-match winning streak. After opening the season with hard-fought road losses against Tennessee, Alabama and Auburn, the Bulldogs have rattled off consecutive triumphs over UAB, 3-1, Toledo, 1-0, and Kentucky, 3-1.
 
Last week, Samford earned the championship title of the 2012 Courtyard by Marriott Louisville Airport Cardinal Classic by defeating both Toledo and Kentucky in the high-profile tournament. The Bulldogs remained undefeated on the season in neutral matches as Jessica Perry, Shanika Thomas, Katie Danehy and Blanton were all named to the prestigious all-tournament team.
 
“Going into that tournament last week, which was hosted by a team from the Big East, and defeating a really good team in Kentucky to win the title was a big boost for our confidence,” Yelton said. “We have a lot of momentum right now, but it's been a week of recovery for some of our players, and we have to get ready for another tough outing against Kennesaw.”
 
Kennesaw State (3-4) enters Friday's match looking to rebound from a 2-0 loss to USF on the final day of the 2012 College of Charleston Classic. Sunday's shutout defeat snapped the Owls' two-match winning streak which included triumphs against Arkansas, 1-0, and Eastern Kentucky, 3-0.
 
“Kennesaw State is a very good team,” said Yelton. “They recently went up to Arkansas and got a win and they split in their matches last weekend, so it will definitely be a challenging match for us.”
 
Similar to Samford, Kennesaw State has also faced a difficult early-season schedule in 2012. The Owls picked up a lopsided 9-0 victory over Alabama A&M on Aug. 19, but have also suffered slight setbacks against Alabama, 1-0, Georgia State, 2-1, and Tennessee, 2-0.
 
Samford and Kennesaw State will meet on the pitch for a fourth time Friday. The Bulldogs own an unblemished 3-0 record in the all-time series and a 2-0 record in matches held at home in Birmingham. Last season, the non-conference rivals squared off in Kennesaw, Ga., and Samford rallied for a 4-1 victory at the mammoth KSU Soccer Stadium.
 
“I'm certain that (Kennesaw Head Coach) Rob (King) will have his team ready to play,” Yelton said. “What people don't realize about last year's game is that it was tied at 0-0 until a few minutes before halftime. It was a very tight match until we were able to get some of the momentum leading into the second half. I'm certain that the Kennesaw State players will come and give a great effort.”
 
In last season's matchup, the Bulldogs received goals from Katie Proud, Adrianne Mancino, Trine Taule and Sarah Wilkinson to register their first road victory of the 2011 campaign. Samford's four-goal performance also marked its best scoring output since a thrilling 4-3 victory against The Citadel in the semifinal round of the 2010 SoCon Tournament held Nov. 5 in Cullowhee, N.C.
 
Samford heads into Friday's showdown with Kennesaw State riding the positive momentum of a six-match home winning streak dating back to a scoreless draw with The Citadel on Oct. 2, 2011.
 
The Bulldogs are also in the midst of an eight-match home undefeated streak and have not been defeated at the Samford Track and Soccer Stadium in over a year. Samford's last loss at home was a 4-2 decision versus Auburn on Sept. 9, 2011.
 
Following Friday's matchup with Kennesaw State, the Samford University soccer team will next be in action Sunday at 7 p.m. (CDT) as the Bulldogs continue their brief two-match homestand versus the Jacksonville State Gamecocks in an in-state duel to be held at the Samford Track and Soccer Stadium.