Kentucky Drops Season Opener at Vanderbilt, 3-2
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The University of Kentucky women’s soccer team dropped its season opener to the defending Southeastern Conference Eastern Division Champions on Sunday, Sept. 20, losing at Vanderbilt in a 3-2 decision.
Despite an undermanned squad, UK withstood the pressure of Vanderbilt in the first period, even administering pressure themselves to force a 2-0 lead at the half. Redshirt senior Brooke Littman made her conference debut in breakthrough fashion, recording four saves in the first half and adding three in the second half.
Complimenting Littman’s leadership, the backline produced a strong and organized performance, making it difficult for the Commodores to break through and attack in the first period.
The offensive effort was just as apparent as the defensive effort late in the first half, and sophomore Jordyn Rhodes made it apparent when she put up the first goal in the match. In the 32nd minute, Rhodes connected with the back of the net after redshirt senior Marissa Bosco challenged the goalkeeper out of the goal, allowing Rhodes to bounce the ball in for her first goal of the season and her ninth career goal.
That same duo in Bosco and Rhodes found a rhythm fast, helping themselves to another goal less than a minute later to put the Wildcats up 2-0. Rhodes connected on a pass from Bosco, then challenged goalkeeper Sophie Guilmetter to the ground too quick, sliding the ball in the net with the outside of her foot.
Including her two goals, Rhodes rattled three shots on goal, attempting six shots total, the team high.
Kentucky held a 2-0 lead at halftime but battled with a reduced roster the entire second period, making just three substitutions in the game.
Meanwhile, the Commodores attempted nine corner kicks in the game, seven of which came in the second half, giving them an advantage in scoring off set pieces. Their fresh legs and corner kick opportunities helped them record three goals in the last 40 minutes of the match, taking the 3-2 lead in the 77th minute after All-SEC performer Haley Hopkins scored her second goal of the afternoon.
For the latest on the Kentucky women’s soccer program, follow @UKWomensSoccer on Twitter and on Instagram, on Facebook and on the web at UKathletics.com.
