⚽️ Tennessee Lady Vols Soccer

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Interesting that they moved the game to after the final SEC match day on Sunday October 27. So it could have a lot of SEC tournament implications.

 

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Tennessee soccer looking for more from attackers in matchup with Missouri​

• Jack Church, Senior Staff Writer

Reese Mattern (12) closing in on the ball during a match against Memphis at Regal Soccer Stadium. Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024.
Daniel Hahofer / Contributor

After two draws, Tennessee soccer is just looking for a little bit more.

Last time out, the Lady Vols earned a point against Vanderbilt. While it was a suboptimal result, Tennessee head coach Joe Kirt understands there is room to grow.

“Overall, the performance wasn’t where it needed to be, but that’s part of the season,” Kirt said. “It’s part of a long season and you’re not always going to play your best, but finding ways to get a result is important and they were able to do that.”


While Tennessee’s defense and goalkeeping have been strong, it is looking for more contribution from its goal-scorers. A major part of that is Reese Mattern, who has started every game of her freshman season.

Mattern has one goal and three assists this year, including an assist on Mac Midgley’s tying goal against Vanderbilt.

“She’s more and more comfortable and confident in what her role is, not only what we’re asking but what her teammates are doing in the space that she can have success,” Kirt said. “She’s got a lot of tools and is trying to figure out which tool to use in which opportunity or which moment of the game.”

Alongside Mattern, Kate Runyon has two goals from her forward role. So far this season, more goals have come from Midgley and Sammi Woods in their attacking midfield roles than from the two forward players.

Following her injury last season, Jaida Thomas is still looking for her first goal of the 2024 campaign. She sits at 39 career goals, four behind the all-time program record.

This season, Thomas has come off the bench in every game, replacing either Runyon or Mattern. The redshirt senior is improving as the season goes on, looking for her first goal of the year.


“It hasn’t shown up on the score sheet yet, but she continues to get better and better each week in terms of her getting back up to game speed,” Kirt said. “Mentally, physically and all of it.”

A look at the Tigers

Coming into the season, Missouri was expected to be at the bottom of the conference. The Tigers were picked by the league’s coaches to finish 16th in the SEC and only won one league game last season.

Missouri has already matched their point total from last season four games in, defeating Florida and earning a point at Alabama. Although they have been inconsistent, the Tigers have put together some strong performances this season, especially defensively.

“They’re difficult to break down,” Kirt said. “They’re organized and very comfortable in their own half-defending. They’re also very dangerous on the counter, too. We’ve got to be patient in determining where the spaces are going to open up that we can get at them.”

After giving up eight goals to No. 1 Arkansas, the Tigers only allowed one goal in their next two matches including a clean sheet last time out against Florida. In that game, Missouri faced 20 shots but didn’t allow the Gators to score.

Tennessee will get its fair share of shooting opportunities on Friday, just like Florida did. It’s up to the Tennessee attack to convert those shots into goals and the second win of conference play.

“I think there have been moments where we’ve been impatient in our attack and other moments even on Sunday when we were very good,” Kirt said. “In stringing passes together, we were able to change the point of attack and did some things really well. So I think it’s not rushing the opportunities that may present itself and forcing something when it’s not there.”

 

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Tiger Targets: Climbing Rocky Top

Mizzou soccer looks to keep hot streak against the Lady Vols

www.rockmnation.com

 

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Congratulations to LVFL Mackenzie George


M: Mackenzie George, Brooklyn FC – The Tennessee alum’s speed and ability to escape pressure has provided a huge spark for Brooklyn’s offense to start the season. George leads the team in crosses (13) and chances created (6) in the first four matches of the year.

 

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