Vanderbilt Soccer displayed another strong week with two crucial conference wins against Auburn and Kentucky, improving to 9-3-1 (3-2-1 SEC) on the season. Now, the Commodores look ahead to a key conference matchup with Missouri (4-8-1, 1-5) on Friday.

Watts for the win 

Vanderbilt scored a total of three goals against Auburn and Kentucky, each registered by junior Sydney Watts. The Lenexa, Kansas, native has emerged as Vanderbilt’s primary offensive threat, leading the team with 9 goals and 19 points this season.  Her nine goals tie Auburn’s Erin Flurey and Georgia’s Summer Denigan to lead the SEC. She has also produced an impressive three game-winning goals throughout this season and boasts a .553 shot-on-goal percentage. The Commodores have leaned on the experienced forward for offensive production, and she’ll be critical in this week’s matchup. 

Watts has been instrumental in Vanderbilt’s success, even with defenses consistently planning to neutralize her impact. Missouri must look to control Watts, although other teams have failed to do so. The junior’s explosive abilities on offense pose a major threat to Missouri, who looks to win their first game since early September.  

Wojdelko is back 

Star goalkeeper and team captain Sara Wojdelko was suspended for Thursday’s game against Auburn due to her red card suspension in the 90th minute at Texas. Senior goalkeeper Alexa Gianoplus shined in her place, registering six saves while allowing zero goals. This was an incredible game for Gianoplus in her first ever collegiate start, rising to the occasion in Wojdelko’s absence. Wojdelko bounced back against Kentucky and notched three saves in another stellar victory.  

Wojdelko has only conceded seven goals this season, trailing only Tennessee’s Cayden Norris (5) and South Carolina’s Christina Tsaousis (6). Widely considered an elite goalie in the SEC, Wojdelko hopes to cap off her exceptional collegiate career in these last few games.  Her leadership and experience in high stakes moments are pivotal to Vanderbilt’s defensive success, giving her teammates absolute confidence in the backline.  

Missouri’s offensive cold streak 

Missouri has suffered five straight losses and has been held scoreless in each one. The Tigers haven’t knocked one in the back of the net since Sept. 12 when they beat Texas, 3-1. The Commodores have yet to lose at home, while the Tigers have recorded just one road victory this season. On paper, it seems that the Black and Gold should have no problem securing their third straight victory; however, they have struggled against some of the lower ranked teams in the SEC this year. Vanderbilt must look to dominate in its penultimate home matchup of the season.   

Vanderbilt will host Missouri on Friday, Oct. 10, at 7 p.m. CDT.