With another conference point under its belt after drawing Vanderbilt on Thursday, LSU soccer is still desperately trying to maintain control over its own fate in the SEC.
The Tigers senior night came to a frustrating conclusion after both teams were unable to score in the entire 90 minutes. While not a loss, LSU is still looking for that last win to boost them into the top 12.
Still one point behind in the 13th spot, LSU’s entire season will depend on whether it can defeat Missouri in its regular-season finale. But even that may not be enough if other teams keep performing well.
For now, LSU Soccer Stadium said goodbye to three seniors on the 2024 roster.
“They are great human beings and just unbelievable ambassadors for the program,” said head coach Sian Hudson. “Tori Gillis and Jaden Humbyrd have been here for four years, so they are the first players that I have had the honor of coaching all four years here at LSU. Mollie Baker joined us as a transfer, and all three of them have been fantastic for our culture.”
The match was a testament to the team’s dedication, with everyone laying it all on the line to try and win for their seniors.
“I think with what I was given, I put my heart out there,” said senior Gillis. “I think I did everything I could and fought for my team. That’s really all I can do. That’s what I want them to do for me.”
The game began with LSU coming close to a goal with a promising shot from Ava Galligan, which led to an early corner kick for the Tigers.
Although falling behind statistically, LSU was pressing hard and shutting down all attacks on goal. The Commodores were able to get the ball close to the six-yard box, but the LSU defensive effort intercepted before they could finish the job.
“I think we defended the box very well,” Hudson said. “Vandy is a team that gets the ball wide and serves balls across the face of the box, and asked a lot of questions to us in that way.”
After half, the Tigers made headway with more plays into the penalty box and shots-on-target.
“We had a couple of really big chances with balls, shots on the top of the six, across the face of the goal, but we couldn’t really capitalize,” Hudson said.
LSU was not short of opportunities, with each team obtaining nine corner kicks in the night.
Goalkeeper Audur Scheving was the only person to play every minute this season until substitute goalkeeper Sophine Kevorkian earned her first start at LSU. When defense faltered, her reactions were quick and accurate. Kevorkian totaled nine saves in the match and made the most of her moment with blocks that wowed the home crowd.
“I thought she did fantastic, obviously, a great team effort defensively, but I thought she came up with some big saves for us,” Hudson said.
The game ended as it started, but the Tigers showed immense improvement as time passed.
In the first half, Vanderbilt led in shots 12-5, but in the second, LSU matched their energy with six shots each. Overall, the Tigers ended the Commodores’ three-game win streak and earned a conference point for their performance.
“I think it’s pretty disappointing we didn’t get the result we wanted, but honestly, I think a lot of our team just left it all on the line,” Gillis said.
It will all come down to the wire on Sunday, Oct. 27, at 3 p.m. for LSU’s final matchup against Missouri. The road has not been an easy one for LSU, filled with some of the most formidable competitors in the country. In their last chance to qualify for the SEC Tournament, it is do-or-die for the Tigers.
“I don’t think the destiny is in our hands in terms of getting to the SEC tournament,” said Hudson. “Obviously now we have to go to Missouri on Sunday and win that game and then hope for other results in the SEC to go our way.”
