#11 Vols Fall at Vandy to Snap 4-Game Win Streak

Thursday, October 19

Nashville, TN

8:00 PM

University of Tennessee

13-2-1, 5-2-1

Vanderbilt

10-5-1, 5-2-1

Tennessee

Vanderbilt

October 19, 2017 | Soccer

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The 11th-ranked Tennessee soccer team's four-match winning streak came to a close with a 2-1 loss to Vanderbilt on Thursday at the Vanderbilt Soccer/Lacrosse Complex.

The Vols (13-2-1, 5-2-1) trailed Vanderbilt (10-5-1, 5–2-1) much of the game with the Commodores scoring early in the first half on a penalty kick and then adding insurance in the 76th minute.

A minute after Vanderbilt's second goal, Tennessee struck back with a score by junior Rylie O'Keefe off a rebound, but the Vols could not get an equalizer in time.

"Tough night in Nashville," Tennessee head coach Brian Pensky said. "As usual, our kids played hard, and did everything possible to bring the game level. We had some decent looks, unfortunately it just wasn't meant to be. The game obviously changed in the first half with the PK, and we were left chasing throughout. Vanderbilt is a good team, and to their credit, they did some things that caused some problems for us, but I thought we adjusted well defensively. Unfortunately, we just weren't able pull even."

Tennessee hosts No. 20 Florida on Sunday at 1 p.m. in the final home game of the regular season. It will be senior day for forward Ariel Kupritz and midfielder Michele Christy.

"We will regroup and prepare for another great opportunity on Sunday against Florida," Pensky said. "And of course we look forward to celebrating two very special players and people, seniors Michele Christy and Ariel Kupritz."

Vanderbilt capitalized on a penalty kick in the 16th minute. Stephanie Amack kept the shot on the ground to the left side, away from keeper Shae Yanez for the goal.

Junior Danielle Marcano and freshman McKinley Burkett led the Tennessee offense late in the half. Marcano had a pair of good looks in a two-minute period, shooting to the keeper Kaitlyn Fahrner and then striking wide left in a one-on-one opportunity. With two minutes left in the half, Burkett took a pair of shots in quick succession, one saved and one blocked.

It was the second time all season the Vols have trailed at halftime. The last time was a 1-0 deficit against Missouri in an eventual 3-2 overtime win.

The teams were scoreless in the second half until late. Paola Ellis headed in a shot off a free kick near midfield by Lydia Simmons to push Vanderbilt's lead to 2-0, the first time all year UT has trailed by multiple goals.

Less than 90 seconds later, O'Keefe put the Vols on the board by putting in a score off a rebounded shot from Burkett. It was her fourth goal of the season, third in SEC play.

Tennessee took two more shots and had other offensive opportunities in the closing minutes but did not tie the game.