FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Nicole Adams’ golden goal in the 97th minute gave the Vanderbilt women’s soccer team its first Southeastern Conference win Friday, a 2-1 victory at Arkansas’ Razorback Field.
Vanderbilt improved to 1-3-1 in the league season as they approach the midpoint of the conference schedule this Sunday at LSU.
“We knew we put our backs against the wall,” Woodard said. “We felt like we’d been slightly unlucky with our goal scoring and at some point our luck would turn around. We didn’t play all that well tonight, but we fought hard against a very good Arkansas team and found a way. It feels great. The energy was fantastic and there’s no better feeling than winning in overtime.”
Adams, a senior from Littleton, Colo., received a left-fooded cross from classmate Molly Kinsella near the penalty spot and volleyed it past Arkansas keeper Britni Williams at the 96:55 mark. The goal marked Adams’ third of the season and the 17th of her VU career. It was third assist of the season for Molly Kinsella (19th career), who named a finalist for the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award earlier this week.
The game made it to extra time thanks in large part to eight saves from Commodore senior keeper Rachel Bachtel, including five second-half stops.
“Rachel was rock solid,” Woodard said. “We’ve always known she has this ability in her. She was fearless tonight. She gave us opportunity to win this game by being all over the place. She was solid, whether she was clearing the ball, holding onto crosses or tearing down angles on breakaways.”
Vanderbilt took an early lead in the 23rd minute. Commodore senior Megan Kinsella scored when a shot from wide hit off the back post and into the net. With nine points this year, Megan Kinsella is the Commodores’ leading scorer.
Fifteen minutes later the Razorbacks would equalize when Taylor Green scored on an impressive free kick that snuck through a four-person VU wall and into the upper 90.
Sunday’s game at LSU is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. CT and will be televised by Cox Sports Television.
