Men’s Soccer Falls To Union College In Exhibition Finale, 3-1 8/26/02

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Despite outshooting Union College (Ky.) 19-12, the Vanderbilt men’s soccer team fell to the Bulldogs 3-1 in an exhibition contest on Monday afternoon at the University School of Nashville River Campus Field.

Union, who is ranked No. 9 in the preseason NAIA national rankings, jumped on the board first, as defender Derek Smith lofted a shot from just outside the right corner of the Vanderbilt goalie box, which sailed over senior goalkeeper Matt Gotterer’s head. The goal came off an initial corner kick, which came to the feet of Davis following several touches by players from both teams.

The Bulldogs stretched their lead to 2-0 after midfielder Paulo Canineu Neto buried a shot from around 12 yards out past the outstretched arms of Gotterer. Neto’s goal came off a quick touch from forward Anderson Neves. Despite being down 2-0 at half, the Commodores still outshot the Bulldogs, 5-4.

The Commodores came out in the second half with a great deal more intensity, especially on the offensive end. Vanderbilt finally got on the board in the 80th minute of the game when it put together a sequence of passes, which led to a goal by midfielder William Perez. Midfielder Brady Hyde started the sequence off by laying a perfect pass down the sideline to forward Brent Richard, who then dropped a perfect cross into the far corner of the Union box which Perez headed in.

Union sealed the game in the 85th minute when Neves scored on a header, which was assisted in by a Vanderbilt defender. The Commodores had several opportunities in the second half, but were not able to convert. Of the 19 shots Vanderbilt registered, 14 of them came in the second half.

The Commodores will kick off the regular season portion of their 2002 schedule at 7 p.m. Friday night against cross-town rival Belmont at the newly configured Vanderbilt Soccer Stadium. Vanderbilt leads the all-time series against Belmont, 5-0. Tickets for all home games will cost $3 for adults, $1 for children under the age of 14 and will be free for students with their college identification.

Marketing promotion for Friday’s contest
Members of the Williamson County Soccer Association have been invited to join Vanderbilt as our guest of honor. WCSA members will receive free admission and will serve as ball kids for the game.

Goals
UC: Derek Smith (Unassisted) - 20:34
UC: Paulo Canineu Neto (Anderson Neves) - 35:47
VU: William Perez (Brent Richard, Brady Hyde) - 79:44
UC: Neves (Unassisted) - 84:50