Soccer remains undefeated with win over Vanderbilt
Kyle Youmans / Staff Writer
The Mean Green soccer team pulled out a close 1-0 victory on Sunday afternoon at home against the University of Vanderbilt (3-3) to improve to 5-0 on the season. The lone goal of the game came from junior defender Molly Grisham in the 58th minute, and gave the Mean Green the edge in a tough, hard-fought match.
UNT (5-0) came into the game riding a four game win streak due to an efficient offense, and smothering defense. That trend continued as senior goalkeeper Jackie Kerestine was able to record her fourth shutout in five games this season.
“It’s nice to know that we are all on the same page.” Kerestine said. “We are finally all in the system where we know where to be and we know that we are one defense instead of a single defender and a goalie.”
The first half ended in a scoreless tie as the two clubs traded multiple scoring opportunities but couldn’t convert any of them. Grisham then came off the bench and scored in the 58th minute with a bullet from outside the penalty box.
“It was very crowded [during the play] and I knew that I didn’t have any other time except to one touch it.” Grisham said. “It was the first goal I’ve ever scored with my foot so that’s pretty exciting since I usually only score on headers.”
This game was a tough test for the Mean Green due to the speed and stamina of Vanderbilt which pushed them until the final seconds.
“They are a tremendous team.” Head Coach John Hedlund said. “They are the best team that we have played so far this year. I just had a feeling that it was going to come down to a goal either wayand we got the goal we needed and really had some lockdown defense in the end.”
The Mean Green play at home again this Friday against the University of Oklahoma Sooners at 7 p.m..
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