OXFORD, Miss. — Despite a number of quality scoring chances, the Vanderbilt soccer team suffered a 1-0 road loss at No. 18 Ole Miss in SEC action on Sunday at the Ole Miss Soccer Stadium.
The Commodores (6-7-2, 3-3-1 SEC) held a 19-5 edge on shots over the Rebels (11-2-2, 6-1-0 SEC), but could not overcome an early goal from the home side.
“It’s tough to watch this team dominate games and lose close ones,” Vanderbilt head coach Darren Ambrose said. “Once again we played well but were punished by one opportunity. Outshooting a team 19-5 on the road and having the majority of the ball but not finding a result is disappointing, but we have to continue to play the way we are and create chances. We just need a little more quality and commitment in the 18 yard box.”
Ole Miss struck on a goal in the seventh minute. Molly Martin beat her defender and found Haleigh Stackpole alone in front of the net to take the lead.
Vanderbilt came within inches of finding the equalizer in the 22nd minute. Peyton Cutshall hit the post from eight yards out off an Ole Miss turnover.
It doesn’t get any closer than this. pic.twitter.com/fwHlFvcSnb
— Vanderbilt Soccer (@VandySoccer) October 17, 2021
The Dores held a 7-3 edge on shots through the opening 45 minutes but trailed 1-0.
Vandy’s first big chance of the second half came in the 65th minute when Alex Kerr’s shot sailed over the crossbar.
In the 68th minute, Maddie Elwell scored what appeared to be the game-tying goal but was ruled offside.
Raegan Kelley’s 87th minute shot was deflected just wide of the left post in what was another scoring chance for the Dores.
Vandy goalkeeper Kate Devine finished with one save in goal, while Ole Miss keeper Ashley Orkus recorded five on the day.
Half of the 16 Commodores who saw the field on Sunday are underclassmen.
The Dores will return to Nashville to host Tennessee at 7 p.m. Thursday for the final home game of the regular season.
