NASHVILLE, Tenn. –Virginia Tech scored two goals in the final seven minutes of the match to defeat Vanderbilt 2-0 in exhibition action Friday evening at the VU Soccer Complex.
“It’s disappointing to lose especially when giving up two goals in the last seven minutes, but we saw some really good progress from the first to the second half and that is what is important this time of the year,” said Vanderbilt head coach Ronnie Coveleskie. “I am encouraged and at the same time I think we have some work to get to where we need to be. Like I keep telling the girls, it’s a marathon, not a sprint.”
Laurie Beth Puglisi broke a scoreless tie in the 83rd minute when she headed in a ball right in front of the goal off a corner kick by Erin Moore. The Hokies then added an insurance goal at the 87:30 mark when Julian Johnson broke away and scored from six yards out into the right side of the net.
The Commodores started six freshman in the contest with goalkeeper Rachel Bachtel recording four saves in 90 minutes of her first collegiate work. Molly Kinsella and Sarah Dennis both had three shots each to lead VU.
Vanderbilt will start the regular season with three games on the road beginning with two contests next weekend at the Nike Invitational Classic in Athens, Ga. The Commodores will take on Wisconsin at 3:30 p.m. CT next Friday before closing out the tourney against Texas Tech next Sunday, Sept. 2, at 10 a.m. CT.
The Commodores will open their home regular season slate against Tennessee Tech on Sunday, Sept. 9, at 2 p.m.
