Two newcomers score, Jayhawks triumph in Lies debut

Two newcomers score, Jayhawks triumph in Lies debut

Lary J Miller August 16, 2024

Kansas Athletics

Kansas midfielder Jillian Gregorski fights for position during the exhibition game against Arkansas, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024, in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

It was a night full of firsts for the Kansas football team on Thursday: Freshmen Jillian Gregorski and Shea Ryan each scored a goal in their college debut and the Jayhawks defeated South Dakota State 2-1 in the season opener under new coach Nate Lie.

KU goalkeeper Sophie Dawe stopped all four shots on goal on the play as the Jackrabbits scored their only goal on a Laney Murdzek free kick in the 20th minute. Shortly after, Gregorski, who signed with KU shortly after Lie was hired, tied the game for KU by slotting in a low cross from Lexi Watts that SDSU goalkeeper Stephanie Leckwold had lured to the far post.

Ryan, who joined the squad in late summer, scored the winning goal in the 35th minute. Emika Kawagishi fired the ball into the box for Gregorski, but it bounced at an odd angle, allowing Ryan to fire it past Leckwold and into the net.

Newcomers Ryan and Gregorski ended up providing each other with assists.

The second half was goalless for both teams, with Emma Knack replacing Leckwold in goal and saving one shot in 45 minutes. Murdzek and Watts each had four shots on goal, the most on the team.

A total of 21 players played for the Jayhawks, with defenders Caroline Castans and Brooke Otto playing the full 90 minutes in Lie's high-pressure back line. SDSU had more shots on goal than KU (13-12), but despite having six corner kicks, they managed fewer shots on goal overall. The Jayhawks also committed 13 fouls on the night.

SDSU made the NCAA Tournament last season and had won 56 of its last 69 home games before Thursday, but the Jayhawks improved their overall record against the Jackrabbits to 6-0-1.

KU will continue its season-opening road trip at Drake on Sunday at 1 p.m.