University of Tennessee Athletics
Soccer Central: UT vs. Southeast Missouri/Liberty
August 18, 2016 | Soccer
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- It's Soccer Time in Tennessee! The Volunteers open their 2016 season on Friday night at Regal Soccer Stadium against Southeast Missouri and wrap up the weekend on Sunday when they host Liberty.
GAME INFO
Tennessee vs. Southeast Missouri
- Opponent: Southeast Missouri Redhawks
- Date/Time: Friday, Aug. 19 at 7 p.m. ET
- Location/Venue: Knoxville, Tenn./Regal Soccer Stadium
- TV: SEC Network + (Online)
- Gametracker: UTSports.com
Tennessee vs. Liberty
- Opponent: Liberty Flames
- Date/Time: Sunday, Aug. 21 at 5 p.m. ET
- Location/Venue: Knoxville, Tenn./Regal Soccer Stadium
- TV: None
- Gametracker: UTSports.com
TEAM INFO
Tennessee
Roster Schedule StatsSoutheast Missouri
Roster Schedule StatsLiberty
Roster Schedule Stats
Need to Know
Tennessee kicks off the 2016 season with a pair of games this weekend against Southeast Missouri and Liberty. The Vols are coming off their fifth winning season in the past six years after finishing with a 7-5-6 record in 2015. Head coach Brian Pensky enters his fifth season at the helm of the program after taking over in 2012. UT returns 19 letterwinners and seven players that started 10 or more games last season, including eight of its top nine point producers.
Success in Season Openers
The Big Orange have been extremely successful in season openers, going 8-0-1 in their last nine games to start a season. They are 10-0-1 in season openers played at home and 15-4-1 all-time in home openers.
Non-Conference Win Streak
The Vols carry a nine-game unbeaten streak in non-conference play after going undefeated in non-league action last season (4-0-3). UT's last non-conference loss came on Sept. 12, 2014 against No. 2 Virginia.
Wilkinson Returns
Friday night will mark the return of Tennessee's active leader in goals (22) and points (53), forward Hannah Wilkinson. The New Zealand international missed all of 2015 with a knee injury and enters this season only three goals and 12 points shy of cracking Tennessee's career top-10 list in both categories. Wilkinson is fresh off her second Olympic appearance after starting all three games for New Zealand in Rio this summer, and has already been named to the MAC Hermann Trophy Preseason Watch List and the SEC Soccer Preseason Watch List.
Vols Tabbed Ninth in SEC Preseason Poll
UT was picked to finish ninth in the SEC this season by the league's 14 head coaches in the preseason poll. Defending regular-season and tournament champion, Florida, was picked to win the league. View the entire preseason poll HERE.
Ticket Information
No tickets needed. Admission to all Tennessee soccer home games is FREE!
Know the Foe
Southeast Missouri
The Redhawks were picked to finish second in the Ohio Valley Conference Preseason Poll after finishing 2015 with a 9-6-7 overall record. SEMO nearly earned an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament last season but fell to Murray State in the final minute of overtime in the conference championship game. The Redhawks return second-team All-OVC honoree Angie Mann, who led the team with eight goals last season, as well as starting goalkeeper Kindra Lierz, who posted eight shutouts in 2015.
UT's All-Time Record vs. Southeast Missouri: 0-0-0 (This will be the first meeting between the two programs.)
Liberty
The Flames captured their fifth Big South Championship last season and advanced to the NCAA Tournament where they were defeated by ACC powerhouse North Carolina, 3-0, in the first round. Liberty posted a 13-8-1 overall record and had five players earn Big South All-Conference honors, led by Jennifer Knoebel, who led the team with six goals, eight assists and 20 points. She is set to return this season along with starting goalkeeper and fellow all-conference selection Holly Van Noord, who was named the Big South Preseason Defensive Player of the Year earlier this month.
UT's All-Time Record vs. Liberty: 0-0-1 (The Vols and Flames played to a scoreless draw last season in Lynchburg, Va.)
Promotions/Giveaways
Check out the promotions that will be going on at this week's games below.
Friday vs. Southeast Missouri
- Student Rewards Swipe In
- First 200 students receive a $5 voucher for concessions
- Postgame Autographs
Sunday vs. Liberty
- Soccer Sundae: First 100 children get a scoop of ice cream and can make their own sundaes.
- Postgame Autographs
Fan Information/Stadium Policies
Please be advised that the university's new bag policy for all of its athletic venues will be in effect for this event. In order to enhance safety and expedite fan entry at Tennessee athletic events, the university is implementing new safety policies for fans bringing bags into all athletic venues.
Only one clear plastic bag no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches or a one-gallon, clear, resealable plastic storage bag per person will be permitted. Fans will also be allowed a small clutch purse not to exceed 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches. Fans interested in purchasing an approved clear bag may visit the Official Team Store at Neyland Stadium, VolShop locations in the Student Union, 17th & Cumberland Avenue and University Commons; as well as other area retailers.
For more information on the new bag policy click HERE.
What's Next?
The Vols remain at home for their next two games, hosting Washington on Thursday, Aug. 25 and ETSU on Sunday, Aug. 28. Admission to all Tennessee home games is FREE, so come out and support your Vols all season long!
