Soccer Preview and Gamethread: Xavier

Nashville, Tennessee - On August 22, 2024, the Vanderbilt soccer team proved their dominance in their final nonconference game of the season by crushing Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles with a 2-0 victory. From the very beginning, Vanderbilt controlled the game, leading 2-0 within just five minutes of kickoff and never giving Tennessee Tech any chance to turn the tide.

Vanderbilt's defense was relentless, swiftly smothering any attempts by the visitors to mount a comeback. The Commodores allowed only one shot attempt from Tennessee Tech and kept possession for an impressive 21 minutes within 30 yards of the Golden Eagles' goal. This level of dominance is rare in a match, making it clear that Vanderbilt is playing at their best.

Vanderbilt's high shot accuracy rate of 46.4% in their 189 attempts compared to Tennessee Tech's 56.1% in their 98 attempts showcases the team's offensive prowess. With a depth of attacking options, the squad boasts standout forwards Sydney Watts, Kayla Pentz, Emily Hinnenkamp, and Aiyana Pugh, along with CAM players Kaia Fullerton and Layla Tusche.

Even the midfielders like Leah Jones, Monique Ungashick, and Morgan Hopkins contribute with late danger, while wide midfielders Zoe Armenta, Brittney Stafford, Sydney Smith, and Taylor Perkins are never far from action.

Coach Ambrose prioritized saving some legs and minutes due to the intense heat. The most minutes played during the match were 67, while the least were 33. Vanderbilt will need to bring their A-game to face the defending Big East champions, the Xavier Musketeers. The Musketeers, who currently hold a record of 16-4-2 (8-1-1 Big East), made it to the NCAA Tournament semi-finals before being eliminated by Colorado.

Despite playing only three matches so far, Xavier has made a significant impact with their recent wins against Michigan State and Miami (OH).

The Musketeers' roster has seen several departures this offseason, including Head Coach Dean Ward moving to Iowa and their leading goal scorer Samantha Erbach transferring to Florida State. However, new Head Coach Katy Etelman steps in, bringing with her a strong trio of Regan Dancer, Peyton Kohls, and Presley Pennekamp. Dancer, Kohls, and Pennekamp are solid options to fill the void left by Erbach and Hansson.

Freshman Kieran Bradley and sophomore Brooklyn O'Brien have also shown their potential, while Xavier's defense faced some injury issues and will rely on returnees Elizabeth Powell, Brooklyn Miltenberger, and Nastassja Garrett.