Sept. 29, 2016
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Vanderbilt soccer team hits the road this weekend for a Friday night matchup against in-state rival Tennessee. The ‘Dores’ 6:00 pm CT game at Regal Soccer Stadium will be broadcasted live from Knoxville on SEC Network+.
VU heads into the weekend with a 7-4-0 record, and rides east on a three-match winning streak. The Commodores’ three SEC victories came by defeating MSU 2-1 in double overtime, and shutting out No. 14 Texas A&M (2-0) and LSU (3-0). Last Thursday’s shutout over the Aggies was the squad’s second time to hold a top-25 opponent scoreless under head coach Darren Ambrose.
Vanderbilt is currently tied for third in SEC standings with nine points. Individually, Grace Jackson leads the Commodore squad in points (14), assists (six) and game-winning goals (three). Alongside Sasha Gray, Jackie Welch and fellow freshman, Hannon Eberts, Jackson is also in a four-way tie for first place with four goals.
Senior, Lydia Simmons leads Vandy with 23 shots, 13 of those attempts have been on target. The senior has also proven to be pivotal in set pieces throughout the season. This past weekend alone, VU generated three goals off Simmons’ serves off set pieces.
Defensively, the Commodores are on a 281-minute shutout streak. Starting goalkeeper, Kaitlyn Fahrner, boasts 53 saves and an 83.1% save percentage.
Weekly Honors:
Cristina De Zeeuw earned two weekly honors for her efforts last weekend. The junior was awarded the SEC Defensive Player of the Week accolade as well as a spot on the TopDrawerSoccer.com National Team of the Week. The Overland Park, Kan. native is the second Commodore and first defender to ever earn a place on TDS’ Team of the Week.
De Zeeuw earned both nods for her second career goal as a defender, as well as the two outstanding performances the Commodore defense put on display. Vandy’s backline and goalkeeper, Kaitlyn Fahrner, have not allowed a goal in the last 281 minutes of play.
Scouting the Volunteers:
Tennessee currently owns a 6-5-0 record, going 2-2-0 in league play. The Volunteers were on the road last weekend, picking a win over UGA, 2-0, but falling 2-0 to No. 12 Florida.
Leading scorer, Rylie O’Keefe, generated both goals in UT’s win over the Bulldogs and leads the team in goals (four), assists (six) and points (14). Sophomore goalkeeper, Shae Yanez, earned a single-game career-high eight first-half saves to hold the Gators’ offense scoreless in the opening 45 minutes last Sunday.
Ticketing/Venue Information:
Admission to Tennessee soccer games is free.
Only one clear plastic bag no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches or a one-gallon, clear, resealable plastic storage bag per person will be permitted. Fans will also be allowed a small clutch purse not to exceed 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches.