9/23/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
CONWAY - After a promising start with three wins in its first four games, the Coastal Carolina women's soccer team had a tougher time over the remaining part of its non-conference schedule. However, a strong second half last Friday, when it rallied from a two-goal deficit on the road to notch a tie with Georgia Southern, should give the Chanticleers momentum as they begin the part of the season that matters most.
Coastal (3-5-1) opens Big South Conference play Wednesday night when it hosts Longwood (4-3-1). Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the CCU Soccer Stadium. The Chanticleers are starting conference play in Conway for the first time since 2010 and only the fifth time in program history.
Over the last two seasons, CCU has been nearly perfect in conference games on its home field, going 10-1 and recording nine shutouts while allowing just two goals.
Senior Kacey Kelley has been the offensive leader for the Chants so far this season. She ranks first in the Big South in total shots (40) and shots per game (4.44), tied for third in goals (5) and fifth in points (10).
Longwood is coming off of a 4-1 loss to VCU that ended its eight-game road winning streak. Prior to that, the Lancers had won three of their last four matches. They have totaled 14 goals this season, while allowing 13.
Longwood was picked third in the Big South's preseason poll, just ahead of Coastal. However, in the first RPI rankings of the season, which were released on Monday, the Chants were the third-highest BSC team, behind only High Point and Liberty. The Lancers were fourth among conference squads.
The teams have exchanged home victories over the last two years. Coastal won 2-0 in 2012 and Longwood prevailed 1-0 in double overtime last season.
