NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A pair of first half goals by freshman Grace Jackson lifted the Commodores to a 2-1 victory in a thrilling contest against the University of San Francisco on Sunday, Sept. 4.
With Vanderbilt maintaining dominant possession throughout the first half, the Dons took advantage of a defensive break down, taking the 1-0 lead. Amanda Whittle earned her first goal of the season off a nice cross from Jessica Nakae. While Whittle’s shot lacked punch, it was just enough to get by keeper Kaitlyn Fahrner.
Fueling from the goal, Jackson scored her second goal of the season just two minutes later in the 16th minute to tie the match.
After receiving a one-touch pass from Brook Colangelo, Jackson looked as though she was trying to cross the ball. Instead, the Atlanta native’s hard struck shot had just enough spin for the ball to ricochet off the far right post and into the back left corner of the goal.
Jackson, who already led the squad in points prior to Sunday’s tilt, added two more to her total (now 11) as she headed a fantastic left footed cross from Sasha Gray into the back of the net for goal number three of her collegiate career, and the 2-1 Vanderbilt lead.
While Jackson was getting the job done offensively, the Commodores’ defense made several stops to save the lead. Some of Vandy’s defensive highlights include goal line stop by Kacy Scarpa and back to back huge saves by Fahrner, who around 15 feet away from goal, was able to block shots by Micaeka Mercado before Cristina De Zeeuw was able to clear the ball.
In the second half, USF came out with a different strategy and held possession.
The Commodores had ample opportunities to extend the lead, but had trouble finishing in the final third throughout the second half. Cleaning up offensive strikes and finishes is an element of the game the team has been working to fine tune throughout the year, but Darren Ambrose and his staff know a little more in game experience for freshmen attackers should rectify the situation in time.
Down a goal early, the `Dores earned two huge first half goals, and now move into conference play with a 4-2-0 record. Vanderbilt hits the road this week to kickoff SEC play, traveling down to Auburn, Ala. to face the Tigers on Sept. 9 at 6 pm CT.
