STARKVILLE, Miss. – The Commodore soccer team defeated the Mississippi State Bulldogs in a 2-1 double overtime win for the squad’s first SEC win of the season. The victory was the Commodores second overtime victory, and seventh win over the Bulldogs in eight meetings.
Hannon Eberts came through for the Dores in the 104th minute for the game-winning goal. Eberts’ goal came off a fantastic run and assist by redshirt-junior Danae O’Halloran, who powered up the field from Bulldog territory to rip a cross straight to the Somers, NY native.
Amid the clangs of MSU cowbells and intermittent rainstorms, the Bulldogs took the early lead in the fourth minute off a set piece. Taking a free kick just outside the 18-yard box, MSU’s shot ricocheted down off the bottom of the VU crossbar and into the back of the net.
The Commodore’s movement throughout the first half kept the Bulldogs on their heels. Danae O’Halloran and Sydney O’Donnell continuously served the ball into the box, but the Commodores unable to generate goals.
Late in the second half the Commodores began playing with confidence.
Forced to play physically the entire matchup, freshman midfielder Nia Dorsey gained possession in Bulldog territory after a fantastic cut. The Elkridge, Md. native dribbled some 55-yards into the MSU box and connected a beautiful cross to Lydia Simmons. Simmons put a fantastic finish on the ball to tie the matchup in the 42nd minute.
With the competition tied, Vandy headed into the locker room with momentum on its side, and used the power defensively as MSU won balls at midfield and kept possession throughout the first five minutes of the final half.
Following the onslaught of Bulldog shots, a yellow card awarded to the Bulldogs, which changed the tide of possession for the next 15 minutes. Simmons served a strong free kick into the box, which was batted down the MSU keeper. Seconds later, the Dores were back at it again offensively as O’Halloran served an identical ball with the same result.
The Commodores had an additional chance to take the lead as Simmons crossed the ball, to Grace Jackson. The freshman from Atlanta was unable to finish, as her diving header was saved by MSU keeper, Tanya de Souza.
As the clock expired, the Bulldogs had two close opportunities to take the lead and the game, but were unable to finish in front of goal.
Heading into sudden death overtime both squads were evenly matched on paper, tied with 14 shots, seven saves and three corners. Like the two halves prior, both the Commodores and Bulldogs had a slew of offensive opportunities, but were unable to score throughout the first overtime period.
Like MSU in the first period, Vanderbilt was on the offensive attack to begin the final ten minutes of OT right out of the gate. In the 100th minute, Eberts sent a shot wide, with Scarpa generating a shot on goal minutes later.
After sprinting into the box, Eberts was ready and positioned in front of the Bulldog goal as O’Halloran served the ball into the box to seal the victory.
Vanderbilt returns home next week, hosting the Texas A&M Aggies Thursday at 7:00 pm for social media night. LSU heads to town for a 1:00 pm Sunday matinee. The Commodores will be celebrating International Day, and we’re bringing back Vanderbrunch!
