Sept. 8, 2016
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — After six competitions and four victories, SEC play is finally upon the Vanderbilt soccer team. On Friday, Sept. 9th, the squad travels down to Auburn, Ala. for its first conference matchup of the 2016-17 season. On Sunday the `Dores return home, taking on Northern Kentucky at 4:00 pm CT.
Promotions:
• Following the Vandy/NKU match on Sunday, up to 100 children under the age of 12 can play a 10-minute “100 vs. 11” scrimmage against the Commodore squad. Sign up to play under the marketing table. Admission to all VU soccer games is free.
Facing the Tigers at 6:00 pm CT on the SEC Network, Vandy (4-2-0) looks to continue off last season’s success after taking its conference opener against Mississippi State, 2-1. The victory over the Bulldogs was Vanderbilt’s first SEC opening win since 2005 and was cemented with a game-winning goal by Simone Charley in the 47th minute.
Looking towards Auburn, the `Dores are riding a three-match home winning streak and look to carry over the trend on the Plains. In their last competition, VU downed San Francisco in an exciting 2-1 victory. Grace Jackson earned both goals against the Dons last Sunday for the black and gold.
Jackson is currently leading the `Dores in points and ranks 25th in the nation with 11 (three goals, five assists). Jackson’s five assists is tied for second in the nation, UF’s Savannah Jordan leading the country with six. Jackie Welch and Sasha Gray join the Atlanta native in scoring, leading VU with three goals.
Defensively, Kaitlyn Fahrner has been a wall in goal for Vanderbilt, helping establish two shutout wins and saving 78.8% of shots faced.
Scouting the Tigers:
Auburn boasts a 3-3-0 record, with a 1-3 home record. Known for a fast pace offense, the Tigers have a trio of student-athletes with multiple goals. Senior midfielder, Casie Ramsier, leads the squad with two goals on 15 shots on goal.
While making an appearance in 2015 NCAA Sweet 16, AU heads into Friday night’s contests off back-to-back shutout home loses. Auburn fell to Iowa State 1-0 and Southern Cal on Sunday, 2-0. The team’s first loss of the season came on August 19th against Clemson in another shutout loss, 1-0, at home.
Noting the Norse:
NKU travels to West End with a 2-4-0 record, securing all five goals this season in the first half of play. The Norse’s two wins came consecutively, defeating Morehead State 1-0, and Toledo on the road, 2-0.