NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Vanderbilt soccer team struck first but visiting Middle Tennessee scored the final two goals to hand the Commodores a 2-1 defeat on Sunday night at the Vanderbilt Soccer Complex in the nonconference finale.
After a scoreless first half, Vanderbilt (3-4-1) received a brilliant goal from freshman Rachel Deresky in the 49th minute to take the lead. Maddie Elwell sent in a cross from the left side where Deresky let the ball run through her legs and flicked it with her heel into the net from five yards out. It was Deresky’s first collegiate goal.
🤯 @RachelDeresky are you serious????
What a goal from the freshman ⚓️⚓️#SCtop10 | #AnchorDown pic.twitter.com/5YNUC5gxu2
— Vanderbilt Soccer (@VandySoccer) September 13, 2021
The lead stood until the 68th minute when the Blue Raiders (4-3-1) tied the score at 1-1 on the first of Peyton DePriest’s two goals on the night.
After multiple chances for both teams, DePriest delivered the game winner for Middle Tennessee on a header in the 87th minute.
Vanderbilt’s offense pressed but was not able to get a shot off in the final three minutes.
In goal, Kate Devine made five saves for the Dores. Vandy outshot the Blue Raiders by a 15-10 margin and had 12 shots to Middle Tennessee’s four in the second half.
Sunday marked senior night for the Vanderbilt soccer program as seven seniors – Raegan Kelley, Ella Shamburger, Peyton Cutshall, Mairin Boyle, Hannah Morgan, Madi Allen and Karissa King – were honored before the game.
Next up, the Commodores jump into SEC play when they host Florida at 7 p.m. Friday at the Vanderbilt Soccer Complex.
