Aug. 16, 2017
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Vanderbilt soccer team, which kicks off its season this Friday night, was selected to finish eighth by the league’s 14 coaches in the preseason poll.
Points were compiled on a 13-12-11-10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 basis, though each coach was not allowed to vote for their own team.
Florida was tabbed as the favorite heading into the 2017 season. The Gators are one of four SEC teams ranked in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America preseason poll. South Carolina is ranked fourth, followed by Florida (8th), Auburn (10th) and Arkansas (17th).
Last year, the Commodores were picked 10th in the preseason pool and finished in a tie for sixth after the regular season concluded.
The SEC also announced the preseason watch list for the upcoming season. In its second year, the preseason watch takes the place of the usual preseason all-conference team and the Dores were well represented this year.
In total, five Commodores made the watch list representing the black and gold; midfielder Stephanie Amack, forward Simone Charley, defender Cristina De Zeeuw, midfielder Grace Jackson and midfielder Lydia Simmons.
Amack transfers to the Commodores after three years at Stanford. During her time with the Cardinal, she started in 60 games and was named to the CoSIDA Academic All-District team in 2015. She also got experience on the national stage as she played on the 2014 and 2012 FIFA U-20 World Cup teams.
Charley returns to the pitch after redshirting last season. Back in 2015, she led the team in goals (7), assists (4) and points (18) en route to an All-South Region first team selection and All-SEC second team. Four of her seven goals were game-winners, including a golden goal against No. 8 South Carolina to defeat the highest ranked opponent in school history.
De Zeeuw was named to the watch list for the second-consecutive season. Last year, she started in all 19 contests for the Dores and logged a team-high 1,694 minutes. She was part of the Commodore back-line that generated four shutout wins, including a 2-0 home win over No. 14 Texas A&M.
Jackson made an impact right away during her first season as a Commodore. Started all 19 games in her freshman campaign and led the Dores in points (16), assists (6) and game-winning goals (3). She was selected at No. 55 on TopDrawer Soccer’s Top 100 freshman list and landed on the All-SEC Freshman team at the end of the season.
Simmons was the second Commodore to be named on two-straight preseason watch lists. Last year, she started all 19 games and finished third on the team in minutes with 1667. Tallied three goals, four assists and 10 points on the season. Leveled the game on the road against Mississippi State in the 41st minute to force overtime.
All five Commodores will look to make an impact on Friday when they open the season against Tennessee Tech at the Vanderbilt soccer Complex. Kick-off is set for 7:00 pm CT but make sure you come early for the Youth Night festivities that begin at 6:00 pm.