Men's Soccer Defeats Belmont at Inaugural Home Game, 1-0 8/30/02

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Fans of both Vanderbilt and Belmont came out in force for the inaugural game Friday evening at the newly constructed Vanderbilt Soccer Complex. In front of the largest crowd in Vanderbilt soccer history (1,090), the Commodores defeated the Bruins, 1-0. With the win, Vanderbilt moves to 1-0, while Belmont drops to 0-1. The Commodores are now 6-0 all-time against the Bruins.

The hero of the night was freshman Kyle Lapkewych, who scored in the 87th minute to give the Commodores the lead. The goal was set-up by a perfect corner kick from senior Nik DeMello, who served the ball to the far post, which Lapkewych volleyed in.

Vanderbilt and Belmont battled through half; however, neither team was able to put one in the back of the net. From a statistical standpoint, the Commodores dominated the first half. Vanderbilt outshot Belmont 9-3, while also having three more corner kicks (5-2).

The Bruins came out with a lot of energy in the second half, especially on the offensive side. Belmont made a serious threat for the first goal less than five minutes into the half when defender Tyler Suffron had two point-blank headers right in front of the Commodores’ goal. Vanderbilt goalkeeper Matthew Gotterer made two incredible diving saves to keep the game tied.

Both teams had several scoring opportunities in the second half, but neither team was able to convert until Lapkewych’s goal late in the game.

Besides Lapkewych’s goal, Gotterer played an exceptional game in net for the Commodores. The senior co-captain made nine saves in recording the shutout. For Gotterer, it was his second shutout of his career.

The contest was extremely physical, as the officials called a combined 38 fouls and issued four yellow cards. Defender Shaun Lieser, forward Danny Sable and forward Jimmy Stone were issued yellow cards for the Commodores.

Vanderbilt outshot Belmont 15-12 for the game, while recording six corner kicks to Belmont’s five. Suffron led the Bruins with six shots, and goalkeeper recorded four saves in the loss.

The Commodores return to action at 7 p.m. Tuesday, September 3, when they take on Alabama A&M at the Vanderbilt Soccer Complex. Admission for the game is $3 for adults, $1 for children under the age of 17 and free for students with a valid ID.

Marketing promotion for Tuesday contest
For Tuesday night’s contest with Alabama A&M, any boy who attended a Vanderbilt soccer camp this summer will be admitted for free.

Goals
VU: Kyle Lapkewych (Nik DeMello) – 86:45