NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Head coach Darren Ambrose and the Vandy soccer squad knew their youngest players had the ability to bring some spark, but no one knew how soon the class would showcase their skill.
The answer came early and in dramatic fashion as freshman Kaylann Boyd and transfer Jacqueline Welch registered their first collegiate goals to help VU to a 2-1 overtime victory against the Miami Redhawks.
“It’s always nice to win, especially on the road,” said Ambrose. “The field was small and that made the game more of a physical contest than a soccer game. But our team adapted as the game went one, and found a way to win. The freshmen showed confidence, we talked about needing to make intentional contact and holding onto the ball, as a result we got a foul in the first half and a goal off a penalty kick.”
Thanks to Vanderbilt’s defense, Friday’s opener seemed to be over and in the books as VU struck first in the 13th minute and held the Redhawks at bay for 84 minutes.
The Commodores’ initial goal came from a confident Boyd, who took a penalty kick after Nia Dorsey took a hard foul following a corner kick. Inside the 18 and looking to secure the lead, the newcomer out of Atlanta took the PK, and placed the ball straight in the back of the Miami net.
“As soon as Nia was fouled I looked around to see if anyone was going to take the penalty kick,” said Boyd. “I actually like PKs, I did them all during high school and club, it’s not normal, but do like taking them (laughing). I just knew that we needed a good start, and getting that goal would get us rolling. I knew that if we made it we would be just fine.”
Heading into the half, Miami led Vandy three shots to Boyd’s one. But one was all it took as the `Dores momentum flooded into the second half of play fueling the defense to make several crucial stops.
A true team win, Vanderbilt’s offense played its part, forcing the Redhawk defense to battle and stay on their toes. The squad bombarded MU throughout the second half, earning two corners and a high header by Grace Jackson all within four minutes (62:31-66:33). The `Dores missed chances to convert in the final third to guarantee an insurance goal.
Ten minutes later both teams exchanged shots as Simmons blasted off her first of the season, which was saved by Miami goalie Patricia Koutoulas. Miami proceeded to tie the match, but the Commodore’s offensive overtime urgency paid off in tenfold as Welch connected off an assist by Brook Colangelo.
Welch, a Winnetka, Ill. native, slid from the right side of the field, barely touching the ball, but just enough so it would roll into the goal on a sharp angle and clinch the opening overtime victory.
“Coach said overtime is our time. We don’t lose in OT,” said Welch. “I wanted to do my part to make that happen. I just tried to work has hard as I could and Brook played a really great ball after a switch in the midfield. I just stuck my foot out and tried to get anything on it. I poked it right back across the goalkeeper where she couldn’t save it. It was really exciting!”
Looking ahead, the Commodores return to Nashville on Sunday, but will be competing at Lipscomb against the Bisons. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:00 pm CT at the Lipscomb Soccer Complex, with admission free to the public.
