UPDATE: Vanderbilt Soccer has made history by advancing to its first-ever Elite 8 after a thrilling 1-0 victory over LSU in the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16, held in Nashville on Monday. This landmark win is a monumental achievement for the program, marking a significant milestone in their competitive journey.
The match was fiercely contested, with Vanderbilt dominating possession and generating a total of 18 shots, including 7 shots on goal. LSU struggled to keep pace, managing only 11 shots overall. Despite their efforts, LSU goalkeeper Audur Scheving was kept busy, making five crucial saves to keep her team in contention during the first half.
With just 25 minutes remaining in the game, the breakthrough came. Following a corner kick, Grace Freeman delivered a precise header to Melania Fullerton, who found the back of the net, scoring the decisive goal. Fullerton expressed her exhilaration after the match:
“I just found myself in a good position, and just put it in the back. That was just a great feeling,”
she said, reflecting on her pivotal role in the game.
LSU fought back fiercely in the final minutes, controlling the ball in Vanderbilt’s territory and even earning a penalty kick with 18 minutes left. However, Vanderbilt’s goalie Sara Wojdelko stepped up, making a critical save to preserve the lead. “The thing for me is just clearing my mind. Nothing else matters at that moment,” she stated, showcasing her focus and determination during the high-pressure moment.
Vanderbilt’s relentless pressure throughout the match was evident, as they earned an impressive 13 corner kicks compared to LSU’s two. Head coach Darren Ambrose praised his team’s spirit and resilience, stating,
“I have not seen a spirit and a dynamic in a team in 34 years of doing this… Just incredibly proud to represent the University.”
As a result of this victory, Vanderbilt will host their quarterfinal matchup against No. 2-seed TCU at “The Plex” in Nashville, a game that promises to generate significant excitement among fans and players alike.
This historic win not only highlights Vanderbilt’s growth in women’s soccer but also energizes the fanbase as they look forward to what could be a remarkable tournament run. The Commodores are now set to face TCU, and the anticipation is palpable as they aim for further success in the NCAA Tournament.
