Vanderbilt (5-0-3, 0-0-1) remained undefeated on Thursday, logging a tie against Auburn thanks to a 78th-minute goal from Abi Brighton. The Commodores will now look ahead to a Sunday afternoon match against Georgia, hoping to notch their first SEC win.
The Georgia Bulldogs (4-2-2, 0-1-0) had their three-game win streak snapped in a 2-1 loss against South Carolina at home on Thursday night. The Bulldogs’ offense was stifled all night, and despite being the last team to score in the match, they didn’t record a shot in the final 15 minutes of the game. Much of this was a result of the wall that the Gamecocks put up every time the Bulldogs entered the 18-yard box.
Though it isn’t the easiest matchup, Vanderbilt can walk out of the Plex with three points as long as it emphasizes a few key strategies.
Preventing pace
Controlling pace will be one of the biggest points of emphasis for the Commodores on Sunday. Georgia thrives on pushing up the field and playing fast on both ends of the pitch. On offense, the team moves the ball quickly, always looking to move forward and relying on the speed and skills of its midfield and strikers. On defense, Georgia refuses to sit back, pushing up on ball handlers and forcing its opponents to make mistakes so that its offense can counterattack. Georgia’s pace overwhelmed the Washington State Cougars last week, leading to a dominant 4-1 victory. Against South Carolina, however, the Bulldogs sat back on defense, and this was a clear contributor to its slow start. However, once they upped the pace in the second half, Georgia put in a quick goal.
For the Commodores, the name of the game is staying controlled and comfortable. They need to win the time of possession and prevent turnovers, especially in their own half. The Black and Gold don’t have to completely control the pace — though it’d be great if they did — but they do need to be prepared to handle Georgia’s quick pace of play. If Vanderbilt can do that, its chances of winning will skyrocket.
Stuff the 18-yard box
Not only is Georgia’s offense reliant on pace, but it consistently works the ball inside the 18-yard box. Georgia will often lob the ball inside its opponents’ box — whether from the midfield or from a cross — looking to find a head or a foot for a shot on net. If the lob isn’t there, the Bulldogs are more than comfortable working the ball on the ground to create chances. Once in an attacking position, they’re unselfish and quick to complete a string of passes inside the box before finding an open shot.
Vanderbilt needs to outnumber Georgia in the box and win jump balls, something that’s much easier said than done. More importantly, though, Vanderbilt needs to clear the ball and reset when the ball works its way into the box from the ground. Every time the ball gets to the wings, Georgia has an opportunity to score. Putting bodies by the goal and getting the ball out quickly is of utmost priority to the Commodores.
Always locate No. 5
Forward Margie Detrizio is the lifeblood of the Georgia Bulldogs. The graduate transfer from Washington State leads all Bulldogs in shots, goals and points while scoring in over half the matches she’s appeared in. Detrizio also has the ability to dominate games, which she demonstrated against Samford, Kennesaw State and her alma mater, Washington State. Much of Thursday’s shortcomings came with Detrizio off the pitch, as she didn’t start and logged only 56 minutes — the fewest in a game for her since Aug. 25, when she subbed out early against Kennesaw State after recording a brace. Naturally, the Bulldogs were looking to put the ball at her feet during the home stretch of Thursday’s game after falling behind.
Detrizio will be the best and most experienced player on the Bulldogs’ side of the pitch, and much of the action will revolve around her. Vanderbilt must emphasize limiting Detrizio’s touches while getting her off the ball as quickly as possible.
Vanderbilt will be back at the Plex on Sunday, Sept. 22, at 1 p.m. CDT to face Georgia in its first home SEC matchup.
