NASHVILLE – The Commodores extended their winning streak to five games by defeating the University of North Alabama, 4-0, on Sunday at the Vanderbilt Soccer Complex. Vanderbilt, now 5-1 overall, handed UNA its first loss of the season.
“We knew coming into the game that we would be able to possess the ball,” head coach Darren Ambrose said. “I thought we did that pretty well today. I thought they (UNA) did a really good job of making that hard for us, especially in the second half.”
Vanderbilt showed high energy from the start. In the fourth minute, Madison Elwell sent a pass from the left side of the box out to Leila Azari, who crossed it perfectly to a waiting Haley Hopkins near the right post. Hopkins did the rest, heading the ball into the net for her third goal of the season.
The Dores didn’t wait around too long before striking in goal again in the 12th minute. This time it was Nia Dorsey driving down the left side of the field, weaving between UNA defenders. From the left side of the box she delivered a strike to Grace Jackson in the middle of the box, who proceeded to kick it right past the goalie for her first goal of the season.
Neither team scored again for 64 minutes until Elwell beat a handful of Lions defenders down the left side of the field. She turned into the box and attempted to set up a teammate with a cross before being fouled on the play.
That set up a penalty kick, where Kaylann Boyd took the shot and delivered a strike in the left-hand side of the net for her fourth goal of the season.
Another penalty kick was set up in the 88th minute and again Elwell contributed on the play. Madi Allen streaked up the right sideline, made her way into the box and delivered a cross right to Elwell, who took a shot that was handballed by a Lion defender.
Hopkins took the ensuing penalty kick and scored her second goal of the day with a shot into the right-hand side of the goal. Boyd and Hopkins now lead Vanderbilt with four goals apiece on the season.
Vanderbilt’s defense proved to be tough once again, pitching its second straight shutout. That defense limited UNA to just three shots all game, with none registering on goal. Lauren Demarchi got the start in goal for the Dores, earning her fourth win of the season (4-0). Taiana Tolleson entered in the second half, and Sarah Fuller replaced her in the 81st minute.
Vanderbilt’s 5-1 start is its best since the 2011 season.
The Dores wrap up their home stand against Western Kentucky on Thursday, Sept. 6. Action starts at 7 p.m.
