Women’s Soccer Rebounds With 2-1 OT Win Against SMU 9/22/02

DALLAS, Texas - The Vanderbilt women’s soccer team’s aggressive style of play finally paid off as it picked up a 2-1 overtime victory against Southern Methodist University on Sunday afternoon at Westcott Field. The Commodores move to 2-4 on the season, while SMU falls to 4-3. With the win, Vanderbilt is now 3-5-1 all-time against Southern Methodist.

Forward Lizzy Johnson was the hero of the game, as she scored 51 seconds into the first sudden-death overtime period to give the Commodores the victory. Johnson’s goal came off an initial centering pass from midfielder Jen Talavera.

Vanderbilt got on the scoreboard first in the 29th minute when forward Erin Higgins gathered the ball after a SMU clear was deflected off another player, allowing her to fire a shot past SMU goalkeeper Erin McLeod.

The Commodores held on to the lead until the 70th minute when midfielder Kim Harvey scored off a header following a free kick from Diana Kelm.

The Commodores finished the game with 20 infractions, which gave them 46 fouls over the last two games, while the Lady Mustangs were issued for 15 fouls. Vanderbilt edged out SMU in the shot category, 13-12. Talavera led the Commodores with three shots, while Harvey led the Lady Mustangs with six.

Vanderbilt goalkeeper Esther Thompson picked up three saves, while allowing the one goal in 90:51. McLeod also had three saves, but allowed the two Vanderbilt goals.

Vanderbilt kicks off Southeastern Conference action at 5:30 p.m. Friday, September 27, against Kentucky in Lexington, Ky. The Commodores lead the all-time series with the Wildcats, 10-6.

Goals
VU: Erin Higgins (Unassisted) - 28:45
SMU: Kim Harvey (Diana Kelm) - 69:33
VU: Lizzy Johnson (Jen Talavera) - 90:51