ATHENS – Vanderbilt returned to the win column with its 1-0 victory over Georgia on Friday night at the Turner Soccer Complex.
“I was really proud of how the girls approached the game,” head coach Darren Ambrose said. “Their preparation was excellent in training this week. The girls who stepped into the game did an amazing job.”
The Commodores (9-3, 2-2) posted their eighth shutout of the season while recording four saves against the Bulldogs (5-5-2, 1-2-1).
Vanderbilt will look to build some momentum as it returns to Nashville for a conference matchup with Missouri on Oct. 10.
The Dores got on the board in the 53rd minute off a set piece with Ella Shamburger taking the free kick near the sideline of the attacking third.
Her cross found Madi Allen flying through the box for the perfect header into the lower left-hand portion of the goal. Allen recorded her first goal of the year and has scored against Georgia in two straight seasons.
“I was so happy for Madi Allen when she scored,” Ambrose said. “She has taken on a bigger role in recent weeks, and it was nice to see her rewarded.”
The Commodores controlled possession right from the opening kick and held an 8-6 shots advantage. Lauren Demarchi and Taiana Tolleson continued to provide solid performances in net with two saves each.
Vanderbilt improved to 13-12-1 in the overall series against Georgia. The Commodores have also won four straight games against the Bulldogs, and they ended Georgia’s three-game unbeaten streak.
Four different Commodores played all 90 minutes – Nia Dorsey, Madiya Harriott, Raegan Kelley and Ella Shamburger. Maddie Elwell, Haley Hopkins and Grace Jackson all played 80-plus minutes for an already depleted Vanderbilt lineup due to injuries.
Vanderbilt freshman Kimya Raietparvar recorded her first career start in tonight’s game and played 65 minutes as a midfielder.
