LSU soccer entered Friday’s matchup against Vanderbilt looking to build momentum on the road and assert dominance in SEC play.
Through the demanding 90 minutes, the Tigers displayed a newfound confidence with key defensive plays that held off the Commodores, finishing in a 0-0 draw between teams.
While a win would be more favorable for LSU when opening its conference record, the outcome of the matchup was a result of the strides the team is making towards consistency through both halves against tougher opponents.
In the first half, LSU’s offense seemed to struggle, undershooting the Commodores 3-7 with only sacrifice hits.
However, the defensive battles between both teams are what really stand out.
With a season high of seven saves, goalkeeper Audur Scheving crucially impacted the outcome of this SEC opener. Making two saves in the 7th and 42nd minute, Scheving and the Tigers established defensive composure in response to the lack of scoring chances.
Early in the second half, Scheving continued to show out, making three saves in just ten minutes and a fourth stop by the 65th minute.
As the game evolved in the last 45 minutes, standout players like Ida Hermannsdottir managed to apply pressure, leading the offense in both sacrifice hits and shots on goal
With a midfield that tightened up, sophomore forward Amy Smith was also able to get a shot on goal against Vanderbilt, but failed to get the ball to the back of the net.
These scoring chances were narrow for both teams. Offensive aggression from Vanderbilt allowed them eight total shots on goal against the Tigers, but quality playmaking remained limited throughout the entirety of the matchup due to substantial defensive performance from both sides.
Sydney Cheesman, senior defender for LSU, discussed how she’d notice a change in the team’s defense this season, leading up to Vanderbilt.
“I would say as a back force, much more chemistry off the field, which has translated onto the field,” Cheesman said. “I think it’s evident in how we stay compact and together as a backline, and I think that’ll help a lot in preventing goals.”
LSU’s positive mentality going into Friday night was reflected in the success the team had when playing as a unit. The Tigers remained organized defensively, even when Vanderbilt forced offensive pressure.
As the gritty contest came to a close, the last 20 minutes saw the most action of the game.
Defense was especially competitive, and after a controversial call on the field, LSU midfielder Gabbi Ceballos was ejected with a red card, forcing the Tigers to finish the last seven minutes with only 10 players on the field.
In a final push, Vanderbilt forward Sydney Watts made a shot from eight yards off the goal but was denied by a final diving save from Scheving to close out the game.
With the final score being a draw between both teams, the outcome was anything but neutral.
The Tigers’ ability to hold out against Vanderbilt validated the team’s success in improving overall endurance throughout the game when it comes to both consistency and exceptional gameplay.
Having only nine games left in the regular season, LSU holds reason to believe in its ability to contend against SEC opponents. If the team can continue to improve playmaking completion, LSU may have a postseason run ahead of it.
