NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Senior Candace West scored in the 86th minute to propel the Vanderbilt women’s soccer team to a 1-0 win over MTSU Friday at the VU Soccer Complex.
The victory marked the third-consecutive shutout for the Commodores, who have not allowed a goal in over 300 minutes.
Vanderbilt’s goal came on a counter attack following a few minutes of pressure from MTSU. The Blue Raiders won a corner kick in the 85th minute, and the ball was served close to VU goalkeeper Brittanie Barbero. Barbero snatched the ball out of the air and was fouled by an MTSU player, knocking her into her own goal.
The freshman got up and played a quick restart to begin a break for the Commodores. When the ball made it into Vanderbilt’s attacking third, junior Abby Carr made a wonderful pass across the top of the 18-yard box to West. The senior captain took a quick touch around an MTSU defender and fired the ball inside the far post with her left foot for her third goal of the season.
Vanderbilt outshot MTSU, 3-1, in the first half, with the Commodores creating a few dangerous chances early in the contest. In the 12th minute, a shot by senior Bridget Lohmuller ricocheted off the near post only to be cleared off the line by an MTSU defender.
Vanderbilt’s only shot in the second half found the back of the net, while just two of MTSU’s six shots were on frame in the second half.
Vanderbilt will continue its current three-game home stand next week with games against Memphis (Thursday, Sept. 15) and Samford (Sunday, Sept. 18). The Commodores again are taking part in the Southeastern Conference’s “Together We CAN” initiative by collecting canned goods at Thursday’s game to benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee.
