NASHVILLE – The Commodores defeated Western Kentucky, 2-0, on Thursday at Vanderbilt Soccer Complex to extend their winning streak to six games.
Vanderbilt’s winning streak is its longest since the 2005 season, which saw the team win 11 games in a row. The Dores have now won seven games at home dating back to last season.
The Dores got the scoring started in the 15th minute off a corner kick. Madison Elwell got her second assist of the season with a cross that bounced past multiple Hilltopper defenders right to Jackie Welch. Welch kicked it just inside the left post for her first goal of the year.
Vanderbilt would continuously threaten to score all night as it outshot WKU, 18-3, with 10 of those landing on goal.
But Vanderbilt wouldn’t score again until the 76th minute. That’s when Ewell continued to shine as she beat multiple defenders and found herself just outside the goalie box on the left-hand side of the field. She sent a shot just over the goalie’s outstretched hands and found the back of the net for her third goal this season.
“She is so dangerous,” head coach Darren Ambrose said. “She’s so dynamic. When she gets running, she’s hard to stop. I’m really happy for her that she scored and with her right foot because she’s a left footed player.”
In the last couple of games, Elwell has provided a spark on offense for the Dores. In her last game against North Alabama, she had one assist and also drew two penalty kicks.
“Our mindset going in was make the first impression and beat everyone to the ball,” Elwell said. “From there, we were able to gain momentum to have that want to get it into the goal.”
Vanderbilt’s defense posted its third straight shutout and fourth of the season. Lauren Demarchi once again got the start in goal, and she improved to 5-0 after posting two saves in the first half. Taiana Tolleson relieved her in the second half and saw little action thanks to Vanderbilt’s swarming defense.
The Commodores wrapped up their recent home stand with a perfect 5-0 mark. Vanderbilt next hits the road for the third time this season when it takes on Georgia State at 12:00 p.m. CT on Sunday.
