Aug. 17, 2017
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Vanderbilt soccer team is fresh off of their preseason tests last week and is ready to open the season at home. The Dores start the 2017 campaign Friday night against Tennessee Tech at 7 pm CT with the game broadcast on SEC Network+. Following the opener, the Commodores will hit the road and face Saint Louis Sunday afternoon at 1 pm CT.
In the preseason, Vanderbilt faced the Furman Paladins for the second straight year with the Dores claiming a 3-2 win. Nia Dorsey started the scoring off in 29th minute and Lydia Simmons chipped in two second-half goals to seal the victory. Then the Commodores hit the road to face AAC-favorite Memphis and fell 3-1.
Heading into the home opener, head coach Darren Ambrose is looking to see the comfort level of the team when they step out on the field Friday night.
“I want them to be confortable in who they are and how we are trying to play,” said Ambrose. “I want to see them enjoy playing. Above all we talk about competing, play at our level, don’t let standards drop. Overall, I just want to see them enjoy playing and to compete.”
The SEC released their preseason poll and watch list this week and the Commodores were selected to finish eighth by the leagues head coaches. Last year, the Dores were picked 10th in the preseason poll and finished in a tie for sixth at the end of the season.
Vanderbilt was well represented on the SEC watch list as five players were selected; midfielder Stephanie Amack, forward Simone Charley, defender Cristina De Zeeuw, midfielder Grace Jackson and midfielder Lydia Simmons. Four of the five players are upperclassmen and Ambrose expects them to set the tone early in the season.
“No question, that is what we expect of them,” stated Ambrose. “We expect them to set standards from an effort and communication perspective. They have been there, they have done it and I think they need to lead the younger players in a way that will be helpful to them.”
Scouting the Golden Eagles
Tennessee Tech enters the 2017 season on the heels of their most successful season in over 10 years. The Eagles won 11 games, their most since 2002 and reached the OVC semifinals for the second-consecutive year. This year the squad returns seven seniors and looks to build on last season’s success. The Golden Eagles went 0-1-1 in their two preseason matches, a 1-1 draw with Chattanooga and a 2-1 loss to Kennesaw State.
Scouting the Bilikens
Saint Louis enters the 2017 season fresh off a 14-win campaign and second place finish in the Atlantic-10 last year. The Bilikens return seven starters and 17 letterwinners from last year’s squad and were selected to finish second this season in the conference. Junior midfielder Maddie Pokorny was one of 11 players selected to the preseason All-Conference team.
Last Time Out
The Commodores hold a 4-0 all-time record versus Tennessee Tech. The two teams last met on Sept. 3, 2010 in Nashville and the Dores claimed a 2-0 victory behind goals from Candace West and Megan Kinsella.
Sunday will be the sixth meeting between the Commodores and Bilikens. The Dores hold a 3-1-1 all-time record with the teams last meeting back in 2009. The Commodores won the home match by a score of 2-1. Saint Louis is one of three Atlatic-10 teams (Massachusetts and Rhode Island) the Commodores will face in the non-conference.
Friday’s game is slated for a 7 pm CT start with gates opening an hour before at the Vanderbilt Soccer Complex. Fans are encouraged to come early for the Youth Night festivities beginning at 6 pm. Admission is free to all Vanderbilt soccer home games.