NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Vanderbilt soccer team closed the regular season on Thursday night with a 2-0 road loss to the Alabama Crimson Tide.
In the opening 45 minutes of play both teams struggled to hold possession, as passes were cut off through the midfield. While VU had a corner and header on goal by Nia Dorney in the first minute of play, the first solid offensive attempt of the night came from the Crimson Tide. The Tide’s Emma Welch forced freshman goalkeeper Lauren Demarchi to make a diving save in the 16th minute.
“Overall, I thought we played pretty well until we got into the final third,” said head coach Darren Ambrose. “We lacked a little intensity and quality in and round their 18-yard box. Even though we created some good, high percentage chances, our finishing wasn’t up to par tonight, which was really disappointing.”
The Commodores were soon on the counter attack in the 24th minute, as Kaylann Boyd powered off a fantastic strike, Bama goalkeeper Kat Stratton was up to the task, however, blocking the shot that then hit off the top of the goal post.
With just under 10 minutes left in the first half, the Crimson Tide nearly secured the first goal of the night with a shot brushing just along the mouth of the goal.
At the half, VU edged Alabama in shots (5-4) and corners (4-2). Coming out of the locker room the Crimson Tide changed the pace of the contest, slipping an early shot past Demarchi in the 48th minute for the 1-0 lead. The goal was followed up by an attempt by Nealy Martin one minute later that sailed high.
Following the Alabama attack, Vanderbilt regrouped and nearly leveled the score as Brook Colangelo ripped a shot from a fantastic angle. Bama’s goalkeeper game through again for her team, denying the Commodore attempt. Two additional opportunities were generated by the ‘Dores as Grace Jackson sent a shot wide and Colangelo’s second attempt of the night was blocked.
In the 82nd minute the Crimson Tide netted the final goal of the night as Taylor Hubbared found the back of the net off a through ball from Tori Gann.
Despite the defeat VU heads to Orange Beach, Ala. as the No. 6 seed in the SEC Tournament with a 9-8-1 (5-5-1) overall record. VU will face the Arkansas Razorbacks this upcoming Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. CT.
“It’s nice to earn the bye for the body of work over the whole season,” stated Ambrose. The extra day or two of rest will help us prepare for the game against Arkansas next Wednesday.”
