Texas A&M Soccer
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Taylor Saucier was exceptional in A&M's shutout victory over Vanderbilt
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Soccer overcomes slow start, secures win over Vanderbilt, 1-0
When you take down a team like the Florida Gators, at their house, there is always the chance of a letdown in your next big match.
On Friday night at Ellis Field, the Aggies were determined not to let it happen. But, through nearly 70 minutes, Vanderbilt hung tough. The Aggies were outshot 9-4 in the first half, while also trailing in corner kicks, 6-0. With the wind at their back as well, everything was going the Commodores way.
That’s until Haley Pounds created some space for herself and took a chance from thirty yards. The ensuing goal proved to be the difference as the Aggies secured a 1-0 victory.
Head coach G Guerrieri spoke about the task his team faced and the resiliency they showed.
“I thought Vanderbilt was excellent. They came in with a good gameplan and it took some nice saves and defending by us to stay in it,” He continued on. “One of the characteristics of a championship team is that they find ways to win, even when they aren't playing their best. We were able to do that tonight.”
TexAgs
Taylor Saucier was exceptional in A&M's shutout victory over Vanderbilt
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While the Aggies, as a whole, may not have put on their best show, certain players did. Without the protection that Taylor Saucier provided in goal, the Aggies could have easily been well behind after the opening 45 minutes.
Vanderbilt’s forward’s have the quickness and agility to cause a number of problems, especially when your defense isn't in perfect sync. For Saucier, that meant it was time to go to work.
“In games that you are bored, you’re like, ‘Well, this is a good thing, but I kind of want to do something.’
The goalkeeper had plenty to keep her busy in Friday’s first half.
“In games like this, you get a lot of action and start to think that the defense needs to change some things up.But, overall, I thought we played really well. There were a few times where we were trying to clear it, but the ball stayed in the box. We’ve just got to work on getting those out the first time.”
The majority of Vanderbilt’s aggression stemmed from A&M’s struggles to move the ball offensively.
With that in mind, coach Guerrieri decided to change things up in the second half. He shifted his numbers and brought in some calming players, who may not see the field often, looking for a shift in momentum.
It worked.
A part of the change introduced Ally Watt, who’s speed opened up the field for A&M and created more chances.
“She’s fun to watch.” Said Guerrieri while discussing his talented freshman. “She’s the kind of player that as she continues to grow into the speed of the game, she’ll be utilized more.”
Her contributions were key in this one. As Pounds squared up in the 69th minute, Watt moved towards the goal. Although she never touched the ball, her well placed jump froze the defender and allowed the ball to sneak in the left side.
That gave the Aggies their first goal. It also gave them their second SEC win of the young season.
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