NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A trio of highlight-reel goals led Vanderbilt soccer to a 3-0 victory over Columbia on Friday night at Vanderbilt Soccer Complex, pushing the Commodores’ winning streak to three in a row.
Courtney Jones found the back of the net twice, with both goals coming from outside the 18-yard box. In the 37th minute, Jones’ free kick from 25 yards out sailed over the wall and beat an outstretched goalkeeper just inside the right post to put the Dores up 2-0 just before halftime.
First of many for 2️⃣4️⃣ pic.twitter.com/DBKGdT2ngG
— Vanderbilt Soccer (@VandySoccer) August 31, 2024
In the 56th minute, she struck again from 30 yards, this time just inside the left post below the crossbar to put the Commodores up by their final margin of 3-0.
An absolute rocket. 🚀 pic.twitter.com/n0tbQ1DFZG
— Vanderbilt Soccer (@VandySoccer) August 31, 2024
Caroline Betts opened the evening with a one-timer in the 24th minute for her second goal of the year. Her strike was setup by a cross from Sydney Watts, whose feed from the right side across the face of goal found a charging Betts.
Betts’ goal was preceded by a Columbia penalty kick that was awarded after a video review showed a handball in the box. Maia Tabion’s right-footed attempt rang the left post and stayed out. With the shift in momentum, Betts’ goal less than two minutes later gave the Commodores a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
Vanderbilt (3-0-1) will look to extend its unbeaten streak to open the season on Thursday when it hosts Kansas. Last season, Vanderbilt earned a 1-1 draw on the road against the Jayhawks thanks to an Addie Porter header in the 89th minute to level the match at one apiece. The match will air on SEC Network+ with kickoff set for 7 p.m.
