BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The Vanderbilt soccer team could not overcome two Western Kentucky penalty kicks in a 3-2 overtime defeat on the road on Thursday night.
Vanderbilt (1-1-1) tied the game on an Abi Brighton goal in the 88th minute to force overtime. In the extra period, Western Kentucky (3-0-0) was awarded its second penalty kick of the night with Avery Jacobsen converting the golden goal in the 94th minute.
“I am heartbroken for my kids who deserve better from the game,” Vanderbilt head coach Darren Ambrose said. “The game was decided by factors other than the players, which is a shame. We continue to create chances and dominate the game, but just can’t find a way over the finish line consistently. It’s a great learning opportunity for this young team, but I am proud of the way they handled circumstances way beyond their control.”
Vandy, playing its third-consecutive overtime game to start the season, held a 17-7 advantage on shots on the night. It’s the third game in a row the Commodores have had at least 10 more shots than their opponent.
Vanderbilt dominated the possession in the first half and held a 6-2 edge on shots during the first 45 minutes.
The Commodores’ best first-half chance came in the 38th minute when Raegan Kelley fired a shot that was deflected and went just wide.
Less than four minutes later, Kate Devine made a sprawling save on a shot from 10 yards out to keep the game scoreless.
In the second half, Western Kentucky was awarded a penalty kick in the 54th minute after a Vanderbilt foul. Jacobsen converted to give the home side a 1-0 lead.
The Commodores wasted no time responding, leveling the score at 1-1 in the 58th minute. Kelley’s initial penalty kick was saved, but she corralled the rebound and finished for her first goal of the season.
That feeling when your first goal of the season ties the game. #AnchorDown pic.twitter.com/BjDRFQ0rPv
— Vanderbilt Soccer (@VandySoccer) August 27, 2021
In the 77th minute, Western Kentucky’s Brina Micheels lofted a shot into the back of the net off an indirect free kick from 15 yards out to regain the lead.
Vandy’s offense kicked into gear and continued to press the Hilltoppers’ back line. In the 88th minute, Maddie Elwell delivered a cross to Brighton’s feet for the equalizer at 2-2.
𝙊𝙑𝙀𝙍𝙏𝙄𝙈𝙀
Tied at 2-2.
Here’s why.
Elwell to Brighton. Goal time. #AnchorDown pic.twitter.com/jMqwxHXeoh
— Vanderbilt Soccer (@VandySoccer) August 27, 2021
Neither team scored the rest of regulation – forcing the game to overtime.
In the overtime period, Western Kentucky scored on another Jacobsen penalty kick in the 94th minute.
Next on the schedule, Vanderbilt hosts No. 5 Duke at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Vanderbilt Soccer Complex.
