⚽️ Lady Vols Soccer

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Mac Midgley scores late equalizer as Tennessee soccer draws Vanderbilt​

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Mac Midgley (20) chases the ball during a game against Vanderbilt at Regal Soccer Stadium. Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024.
Cambree Gliessner / The Daily Beacon


Mac Midgley’s late goal gave Tennessee soccer a point on Sunday, earning a 1-1 draw against Vanderbilt.

The Lady Vols (6-1-3, 1-0-2 SEC) kept their nine-match unbeaten run alive by sharing the points with the Commodores (5-2-4, 0-2-2). It’s the first time the in-state rivalry has ended level in nine seasons.

Ally Zazzara put in a strong performance, making 11 saves to keep the Lady Vols in the game, including a penalty kick save in the first half. Her performance was a major part of Tennessee’s effort to go a ninth straight match without defeat. Zazzara’s 11 saves are a new season-high for the redshirt junior goalkeeper.


Here’s how the Lady Vols drew the Commodores.

Vanderbilt dominates first half but can’t find goal

Vanderbilt spent nearly hte entire first half attacking the Lady Vols, but it couldn’t find a goal to show for it. The Commodores recorded 10 shots in the first 45 minutes, putting six on Tennessee’s goal. They also earned five corner kicks.

Although Vanderbilt had just 52% of the ball, it spent 77% of its possession time in Tennessee’s attacking area, forcing the Lady Vols to spend nearly the whole period defending. Tennessee only generated one shot, which came off a free kick and was not on target.


Vanderbilt find opener early in second half

It didn’t take long for the Commodores to find the goal in the second period. Tennessee made a costly turnover in its own end, allowing Sydney Watts possession in a threatening area. Watts buried the shot to Zazzara’s left from just outside the penalty area, giving Vanderbilt the lead.

Zazzara made five first-half saves before Vanderbilt’s opening goal. Constant pressure from the Commodores paid off with the first lead of the game.

Mac Midgley scores late equalizer

With less than eight minutes left, Tennessee was pushing for a goal, having only recorded one shot on target to that point. Reese Mattern made a cross-field pass to an open Midgley, who scored the tying goal from about 15 yards out.

Midgley’s goal was the third goal of the season and first since scoring the only goal in Tennessee’s 1-0 win over then No. 7 Memphis.
 
That was one tough game to watch. Vandy Midfield just superior athletically in the midfield. Vandy has played well in their conference games this year, controlling the ball despite the losses and draw. Looked like Vandy lost their legs late in the game and Vols finally showed some urgency. Outstanding goalkeeping saved the day.
 
Fusco is who we miss. Blue did show up let her play. Zaida will never score because we have no idea how to work the ball into the box near her. Where was the energy we played with at the end?
IMO, the energy picked up when Nyla came in for Latino (I believe). We started winning more 50/50 balls. I want to see more of her as we face tougher teams in the coming weeks. Fusco is sorely missed.
 

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