NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Michelle Makasini’s goal in the 16th minute led LSU to a 2-0 win over Vanderbilt in soccer action Friday night at the VU Soccer Complex.
The Tigers (10-2-4, 4-1-2 SEC) defeated the Commodores (4-8-2, 1-4-1 SEC) for just the second time in 11 meetings and for the first time since the 2000 season.
Makasini’s goal came off an assist by Roslyn Jones and propelled LSU to a 1-0 halftime lead. The Tigers added another goal at the 56:32 mark in the second half via Rachel Yepez’ SEC leading 11th goal of the season to make it 2-0.
“We are still continuing to play good soccer,” said Vanderbilt head coach Ronnie Coveleskie. “At times it has been good and at times it has been average, and I think unfortunately when we mistakes, the other teams punish us on them. That is a credit to LSU tonight; they are a very good team.”
Goalkeeper Valerie Vogler recorded her seventh shutout of the year with five saves for the Tigers, while Rachel Bachtel had four saves for Vanderbilt.
Sarah Dennis and Molly Kinsella led the Commodores with two shots on goal apiece. The Tigers out shot VU 24-17 for the game and had a 7-5 lead in shots on goal.
“I do feel like we had some good chances and some good looks on frame where we could have made a difference in the final score,” added Coveleskie. “We have to keep in mind that we are playing good soccer, we are competing, we do have good opportunities and are getting chances, but now we have to figure out how we can make those chances into goals.”
The Commodores will close out their four-game home stand on Sunday as Arkansas comes in for a 1 p.m. tilt. The Lady Backs are 8-7-1 overall and 1-5-1 in SEC play after falling to Kentucky, 2-1, in Lexington.
“Arkansas is going to be a dangerous team on Sunday because they are in a must win situation just like we are,” Coveleskie said. “You are going to see two teams that are fighting for three points and a win and they are going to battle like there is no tomorrow. Every game we lose now, we get one step farther from Orange Beach and the SEC tournament. It should be an exciting game on Sunday. Arkansas will be playing with a lot of passion and that is something we will need to do too.”
