In a matchup that has SEC tournament seeding implications, #12 Vanderbilt (14-1-1, 6-0-1 SEC) took a step forward to improve their standing, as they defeated Auburn (11-4-1, 3-4-1 SEC) by a score of 3-0 Thursday night at the Auburn Soccer Complex.
The Tigers had a tough time generating any offense, as they were outshot 16-7 (7-4 shots on goal) in the game by the Commodores.
The first half was a physical defensive battle, as neither team was willing to concede that first goal. The second half presented multiple chances for Vanderbilt’s offense, as they took advantage of sloppy defense by Auburn.
Midfielder Grace Jackson capitalized on the first Vanderbilt opportunity by converting a penalty kick in the 51stminute to give the Commodores the 1-0 lead. That was Jackson’s 3rdgoal of the season, and first since September 9.
Vanderbilt continued to attack Auburn aggressively in the second half, as a defensive miscommunication by the Tigers lead to midfielder Kelley Raegan finding the back of the net in the 63rdminute to increase the lead to 2-0. That was Raegan’s 2ndgoal of the season.
The Commodores offense tacked on another goal, courtesy of midfielder Peyton Cutshall in the 72ndminute, to give Vanderbilt a 3-0 cushion over the Tigers. That was Cutshall’s 2ndgoal of the season.
For Auburn, midfielder Bri Folds led the team with two shots (one on goal), and goalkeeper Sarah Le Beau had three saves.
The Tigers will look to get back in the win column as they travel to Fayetteville in a road match against Arkansas (10-3-2, 5-2-0 SEC) Sunday at 1:00 CT.
