Oct. 18, 2007
COMMODORE GAMEDAY CENTRAL
Friday vs. LSU: 
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Sunday vs. Arkansas: |
Listen to Thursday’s Interview with Coach Coveleskie
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Vanderbilt soccer looks to get back on track in Southeastern Conference play this weekend as SEC West foes LSU and Arkansas come to town.
The Commodores will take on the Tigers (9-2-4, 3-1-2 SEC) on Friday at 7 p.m. at the VU Soccer Complex. Sunday’s game against the Lady Backs (8-6-1, 1-4-1 SEC) is set for a 1 p.m. start and will conclude a four-game homestand.
Vanderbilt is 4-7-1 on the year and 1-3-1 in conference play after dropping a pair of contests to Top 25 teams Georgia and Tennessee last weekend at the VU Soccer Complex.
“We are excited to have LSU and Arkansas come in this weekend,” said Ronnie Coveleskie. “It’s nice to be at home and it’s always an energy filled time when you can play at your own stadium.”
LSU is in second place in the SEC West after losing a showdown against division leader Auburn on Friday. The Tigers rallied to defeat Alabama last Sunday. Sophomore Rachel Yepez leads the conference in goals scored with 10, while sophomore Michelle Makasini is second on the team with seven goals. Senior goalkeeper Valerie Vogler has recorded six shutouts and has a 0.82 goals against average in 15 contests on the year.
Vanderbilt has a 7-1-2 all-time series lead over LSU and is 3-0-2 in the last five meetings, including a 0-0 tie in overtime last year in Baton Rouge.
Arkansas is 8-6-1 overall and 1-4-1 in league action after dropping road games at Alabama and at Auburn last weekend. Freshman Kelly O’Connor leads the team in scoring with six goals and three assists, with junior Lindsay Patterson right behind with six goals and an assist. Goalkeeper Britni Williams has six shutouts this season and goes into Friday’s game with Kentucky with a 0.72 goals against average.
Vanderbilt owns a 12-6-1 series lead including a 2-1 overtime victory last year in Fayetteville.
“We are in a must win situation this weekend and every game is like that in the SEC for seeding and for making the SEC Tournament,” said Coveleskie. “It is vital for us to get some wins so we can make it to the tournament in Orange Beach.”
