⚽️MATCH DAY 7PM REGAL SOCCER STADIUM(FREE ADMISSION)⚽️Mizzou @ TENNESSEE SECN+

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

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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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Congratulations to LVFL Mackenzie George

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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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MAD said:
Meet Aliza Mannon, currently attending West High School in Knoxville and headed to Georgetown. Another great interview by our very own @Panthro

Hey buddy, this was a wonderful interview, enjoyed listening to Aliza’s journey.



Guest: Aliza Mannon (FC Alliance & West High School Soccer)Today's guest is actually my first ever from West High School. Listen as Aliza Mannon joins the show to talk about moving states in the middle of her 11th grade year, her recruiting experience, and she shares one unforgettable sports memory.

Click to expand...

Thanks man! I’ve got Mac Midgley coming on in a couple weeks. Will be doing that interview on Sunday.
 
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MATCH CENTRAL: Tennessee vs. Missouri​

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Tennessee soccer is set for a 7 p.m. ET Friday matchup against Missouri at Regal Stadium.

Admission is free for all preseason and regular-season soccer matches. Additionally, For fans planning to attend, we will have one shuttle (ADA accessible) picking up at Ag Campus and dropping off at the top of Cronan and Stephenson. Shuttles will begin at 5:30 pm and run until one hour postgame. Please note that Tennessee's clear bag policy will be in effect.

GAME PROMOTIONS:
  • Pink Game/Breast Cancer Awareness
  • Giveaway: 250 Pink shirts at the main gate
  • Live Anthem: Alysia Haluska
  • Anthem Buddies: AYSO Region 128 10U Girls
  • Food Trucks: Jimmy on Wheels/Irvey's Ice Cream
  • Parking: Once the lots along Stephenson Drive are full, fans will be pushed to the Ag Campus. Fans can take the shuttle from Ag Campus to Regal Stadium or can also walk to the stadium via the greenway on Neyland Drive.

Last time out, UT (6-1-3) registered a 1-1 draw against Vanderbilt.

Redshirt junior goalkeeper Ally Zazzaraposted a stellar showing against the Commodores and registered a season-high 11 saves. Zazzara now has 100 career saves, which puts her 10th all time in program history.

Mac Midgley gave Tennessee the equalizer during the 83rd minute after Reese Mattern delivered the cross.

MATCHUP HISTORY: Tennessee is 9-2-1 all-time versus the Tigers and has won its past four matchups. Last season, the Lady Vols pulled out a 3-2 victory over Missouri. Additionally, UT is 6-0-0 all-time at home against the conference foe.

SCOUTING THE TIGERS: The Tigers defeated Florida in a 2-0 win on Sunday night in Columbia. Sophomore goalkeeper Kate Phillips made nine saves in the shutout, marking the most by a Tigers' keeper in a win since Oct. 26, 2017. Olivia Chianelli and Kylee Simmons each scored a goal to lead Mizzou past Florida. In total, nine different Tigers have scored goals in Fischer (3), Simmons (3), Selm (2), Landis Canada, Bella Carillo, Monica Brauner, Brianna Buels, Keegan Good and Olivia Chianelli

ALLY SQUARED: Both Ally Zazzara and Ally Brown have been consistent forces for the Lady Vols. Zazzara currently has 29 saves on the season, a 0.51 goals-against average and six clean sheets. Brown, a mainstay defender, has logged 889 minutes, two goal contributions and has played the full 90 minutes in nine out of 10 games.

UP NEXT: Tennessee will head on the road to No. 1 Arkansas for a Thursday night matchup.
 
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