NASHVILLE, Tenn. –Sheridan Jones’ goal at the 57:53 mark in the second half broke a scoreless tie and propelled Gonzaga to a 2-0 win over Vanderbilt in the second game of the Commodore Invitational Friday night at the VU Soccer Complex.
Jones took an assist from Christine Soma and shot and scored when the ball was deflected by VU keeper Rachel Bachtel and into the net. The Zags then added an insurance goal from Ashley Riley at the 66:57 mark to seal the win.
“It’s disappointing to lose at home,” said Vanderbilt head coach Ronnie Coveleskie. “Gonzaga did a very good job of being tenacious and winning 50-50 balls that put us out of our rhythm as a team.”
The Commodores dropped to 2-2-1 on the year, while the Zags improved to 3-2.
Vanderbilt had several offensive scoring chances in the first half and held a 13-5 shot advantage in the scoreless first frame.
“We had some good looks in the first half,” said Coveleskie. “I felt good about how we were attacking, but there is obviously a problem of getting the ball in the goal.”
The Zags came out attacking in the second half and freshman keeper Rachel Bachtel made some solid saves before Gonzaga broke through. Bachtel finished with seven saves on the night.
Jessie Thalman recorded five saves for the Zags in the shutout win. Offensively, the team finished with 14 shots, with 10 of them on goal.
“Credit Gonzaga for the style and the intensity level that they play at,” added Coveleskie. “I think as a team we learned an important lesson of controlling your individual effort when you are playing.”
Lindsay Ratterman led the Commodores with four shots, including three on goal.
Vanderbilt will take on Saint Mary’s on Sunday at 1 p.m. at the VU Soccer Complex. The Gaels fell to UAB 1-0 in the first game of the tournament Friday evening. UAB will take on Gonzaga at 11 a.m. on Sunday with the winner named the Commodore Invitational champion.
“We have to come out with a better mentality against Saint Mary’s,” summed up Coveleskie. “We have to be harder to the ball, better technically and play with more confidence than we did tonight.”
