NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Vanderbilt soccer closes its longest homestand of the 2023 season kicking off Thursday against Ball State at 7 p.m. at the Vanderbilt Soccer Complex. The Commodores will host in-state foe Middle Tennessee at GEODIS Park on Sunday at 6 p.m.
The Dores’ match at GEODIS Park, home of Nashville SC, will be the first collegiate match on the field. GEODIS Park is the largest soccer-specific stadium in Canada and the United States and opened on May 1, 2022, when Nashville SC hosted the Philadelphia Union.
SERIES HISTORY
Ball State
- This is the first-ever matchup against Ball State.
Middle Tennessee
- Vanderbilt leads the all-time series 6-1-0.
- The two programs met for the first time during the 2005 season when the Dores shutout the Blue Raiders 2-0. In three of the last four meetings, Vanderbilt has shutout Middle Tennessee.
- The last meeting came last season when Vanderbilt won 4-0 in Murfreesboro.
LAST TIME ON THE PITCH
On Sunday, Vanderbilt erased a two-goal deficit with a second-half comeback to draw 3-3 with No. 20 Northwestern at the Vanderbilt Soccer Complex. The Commodores outshot the Wildcats, 9-1, over the final 45 minutes. Freshman Ella Eggleston found Courtney Jones to tally her second season goal in the 49th minute to bring the Dores within one. Eggleston then scored the equalizer in the 84th minute to secure the 3-3 draw.
Preseason Honors
- Five Commodores highlighted the SEC Preseason Watchlist – Maya Antoine, Abi Brighton, Rachel Deresky, Hannah McLaughlin and newcomer Jada Konte.
- Antoine was also named to the United Soccer Coaches 2023 Preseason Watchlist for Defenders.
