University of Tennessee Athletics
Soccer Central: UT vs. Alabama/Middle Tennessee
September 08, 2016 | Soccer
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- After going 1-1 on the road last week, Tennessee returns to the friendly confines of Regal Soccer Stadium this weekend for its SEC opener against Alabama and another in-state battle with Middle Tennessee.
GAME INFO
Tennessee vs. Alabama
- Opponent: Alabama Crimson Tide
- Date/Time: Friday, Sept. 9 at 7 p.m. ET
- Location/Venue: Knoxville, Tenn./Regal Soccer Stadium (3,000)
- TV: N/A
- Radio: N/A
- Live Stats: UTSports.com
Tennessee vs. Middle Tennessee
- Opponent: Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
- Date/Time: Sunday, Sept. 11 at 2 p.m. ET
- Location/Venue: Knoxville, Tenn./Regal Soccer Stadium (3,000)
- TV: N/A
- Radio: N/A
- Live Stats: UTSports.com
TEAM INFO
Tennessee Volunteers (3-3)
Roster Schedule StatsAlabama Crimson Tide (5-1)
Roster Schedule StatsMiddle Tennessee Blue Raiders (2-2-1)
Roster Schedule StatsNeed to Know
The Vols are coming off a 3-0 win over American on Sunday afternoon in the nation’s capital to improve to 3-3 on the year and complete a two-game road trip that also included a loss to No. 10 BYU. Four players had multiple points last week, led by Hannah Wilkinson who had five. Tennessee has a combined record of 16-6-1 against its two opponents this week.
Attack Rounding Into Form
UT’s attack keeps improving after a tough start to the season. The Vols scored just one goal in their first three games, but have drastically improved offensively with eight goals in their previous three matches. Rylie O’Keefe, Maya Neal and Wilkinson all have multiple goals in that span.
Vols in SEC Openers
Friday’s showdown with Alabama will be UT’s 2016 Southeastern Conference opener. The Vols are 12-7-1 all-time in SEC openers after taking down Arkansas, 1-0, in the 2015 league opener. Tennessee has an even better record in conference home openers, going 15-5 in those games.
Success Against In-State Opponents
The Big Orange face another in-state opponent this Sunday when Middle Tennessee visits Regal Stadium. The Vols will look to improve to 27-12-5 all-time against fellow teams from Tennessee and 17-5-2 at home. UT already has one victory over an in-state foe this season, a 3-2 win over ETSU on Aug. 28.
O’Keefe Keeps on Rolling
Vols’ sophomore midfielder Rylie O’Keefe is in the midst of a breakout season. The Littleton, Colo., native has already more than doubled her point total from last season, leading the team with nine. O’Keefe is also tied for second nationally with five assists already this year and has recorded points in three straight games.
Wilkinson Back to Her Old Ways
UT’s active scoring leader is back to scoring goals for the Volunteers after missing the entire 2015 season with a knee injury. The New Zealand international scored both of the Vols’ goals in their loss to No. 10 BYU last Friday. It was the fourth-career multi-goal performance for Wilkinson and first time she had scored since Nov. 7, 2014 against Kentucky in the SEC Tournament semifinals. She needs just one goal and five points to break into the UT career top-10 in both categories.
Ticket Information
No tickets needed. Admission to all Tennessee soccer home games is FREE!
Know the Foe
Alabama
The Crimson Tide are off to a hot start in 2016 despite being picked to finish 13th in the SEC Preseason Coaches’ Poll. The Tide enter Friday’s contest with a 5-1 record and their only loss was a 1-0 defeat on the road against South Florida, who is currently undefeated and ranked 14th in the NSCAA Coaches’ Poll. Bama is led by the attacking duo of Lacey Clarida and Abbie Boswell, who have combined for nine of the team’s 15 goals and more than half of the team’s total points.
UT’s All-Time Record vs. Alabama: 12-5-1
Tennessee has won two straight games against Bama, including a 3-1 victory in Tuscaloosa last season.
Middle Tennessee
The Blue Raiders are off to a 2-2-1 start this season after finish 10-6-4 in 2015. Middle Tennessee won back-to-back games over Jacksonville State and Jackson State to start the year before dropping two straight games to Florida State and Lipscomb. The Blue Raiders tied Belmont in their last game and will play Tennessee Tech on Friday before coming to Knoxville.
Sophomore forward Annie Brown and freshman midfielder Salera Jordan lead the team with two goals each while Sydney Chalcraft had played all but 10 minutes in goal, stopping 27 shots and posting a 1.76 goals against average. The Blue Raiders were picked to finish fifth in the Conference USA Preseason Poll and junior midfielder Cameron Cox was selected to the preseason all-conference team.
UT’s All-Time Record vs. Middle Tennessee: 4-1
MTSU is the only in-state program besides Vanderbilt to ever defeat the Vols, winning the last meeting between the two sides, 1-0, in 2013.
Promotions/Giveaways
Check out the promotions that will be going on at this week’s games below.
Friday vs. Alabama
- 2016 Tennessee Soccer Poster Available
- Free Tennessee Boomstick for First 100 Fans
- Student Rewards Swipe In & Prize Pick Up
- Free Vuvuzela for First 50 Students
- Postgame Autographs
Sunday vs. Middle Tennessee
- First Responders Day
- KPD, UTPD & KFD Display Areas in Parking Lot
- Head-to-head soccer skills challenge between KPD and UTPD during halftime.
- 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?
UT welcomes SEC foe Missouri to Regal Soccer Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 15 at 7 p.m. The game will air live on the SEC Network.
