Vanderbilt and Belmont battle to 2-2 draw

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Vanderbilt and Belmont battled to a 2-2 exhibition tie on Sunday night in front of a loud “Dore Jam” crowd at the Vanderbilt Soccer Complex.

The Commodores rallied from a 2-0 deficit with a pair of late goals from sophomore CJ Rhoades and senior Nicole Adams to earn the draw.

“That was great testament to where we are as a team, that we could fight back down 2-0 with 20 minutes left on the clock,” VU Head Coach Ronnie Woodard said. “No matter who you’re up against, that’s a difficult task to accomplish. I felt like we had really good momentum toward the end of the game.”

In the 76th minute, freshman Duggan Hahn sent a low ball into six-yard box which Rhoades deflected into the back of the net to cut the VU deficit to 2-1.

Seven minutes later, freshman Claire Romaine played a long cross to the back post which senior Megan Kinsella was able to head across the face of the goal for classmate Nicole Adams to knock home.

Both teams had chances in the final five minutes but were unable to get shots on goal.

After a scoreless first half, Belmont jumped out to a 1-0 lead just a minute into the second half. Spencer Laufer connected on a volley from 25 yards to give the Bruins a lead.

Bailey Kimball extended that advantage in the 73rd minute. After passes from Erica Carter and Amy Jo Anderson connected to find Kimball, she fired a shot from just inside the 18-yard box into the side netting to give Belmont a 2-0 margin.

Vanderbilt outshot Belmont, 13-2, on the evening.

The Commodores to Birmingham this week to face UAB in the regular season opener for both squads. The game on Friday, August 20, is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. CT. Vanderbilt then welcomes Minnesota to the VU Soccer Complex on August 27 for the Commodores’ home opener.