Aug. 30, 2015
SEATTLE – Vanderbilt’s trip to the Pacific Northwest ended with a damper.
The Commodores suffered a 3-1 loss to Seattle University on Sunday afternoon at Championship Field. The Redhawks scored all three goals in the first half as Vanderbilt (1-3) lost the second leg of a two-game trip in Washington.
After a thrilling overtime victory over Gonzaga on Friday night, the Commodores couldn’t find the back of the net until late in the second half against the Redhawks, who reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament last year.
“We have struggled to put two games together this year and today was another example of that,” coach Darren Ambrose said. “The first few minutes we looked comfortable but, after that, Seattle just outplayed us for the first half. We struggled technically, which then led to poor decisions.”
Seattle (2-2) jumped in front in the 17th minute. Summer Mason’s initial shot was blocked by Kelsey Tillman, but Mason followed up with a cross that bounced off a Vanderbilt defender and past goalkeeper Christiana Ogunsami.
About four minutes later the lead increased as Karli White raced into the box and tapped in a cross from the right side into the middle of the net. Seattle capped off the scoring in the 38th minute when Julia Moravec headed in a goal off a cross from the left side into the bottom left corner, past an outstretched Ogunsami.
The Commodores’ lone goal came in the 87th minute on an own goal by Seattle. Senior Jamie Kator sent a corner kick into the box and a leaping Redhawk defender headed into the net.
“I thought we were better in the second half and I was pleased to see (freshmen) Kelsey Carrier and Maggie Clemmons (come off the bench) and play so well,” Ambrose said. “They were the bright spots of the day today. Their effort and willingness to fight and compete for balls made a difference.”
Vanderbilt was outshot 14-9, mustering just three in the first half. Redshirt sophomore Lydia Simmons led the team with five shots, including two on goal. Senior goalkeeper Shannon Morrish replaced Ogunsami at halftime to make her first appearance of the season. Morrish made two saves, while Ogunsami had just one stop.
The Commodores return home to Nashville to host a pair of games this weekend. Vanderbilt hosts Dartmouth at 7 p.m. on Friday, before welcoming cross-town rival Lipscomb at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. Both games will be played at the VU Soccer/Lacrosse Complex and can be watched online at SEC Network +.
“Our defensive communication let us down early in the game, allowed a very good Seattle team to take advantage of our mistakes,” Ambrose said. “On the attacking front we have to take care of some simple technical things and create better habits off of the ball rather than react to situations. We will get back on the practice field on Tuesday and work to get better.”