Tennessee women's soccer eliminated by Xavier in 2OT of NCAA Tournament

After a successful regular season that featured a share of the SEC East title, Tennessee women's soccer lost 4-1 in double overtime to Xavier in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday night at Regal Soccer Stadium.

It was a disappointing end for the No. 6-seeded Lady Vols (11-6-2) and first-year coach Joe Kirt, who spent 15 years as an assistant and was promoted following Brian Pensky’s departure to Florida State.

The Lady Vols were also bounced in their opening game of the SEC Tournament by Georgia. UT combined for just one goal in the two games.

“I think for us moving forward, we have to continue to get a little bit tougher and more disciplined in moments and continue to put our players in positions where they can be successful,” said Kirt. “Whether that’s in our tactics or in our shape. We have to continue to develop our players and help them get better.”

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Tennessee was held shy of its season average of 17.8 shots per game with just 15 against Xavier (14-3-5). When the Lady Vols were able to get off shots, Musketeers goalkeeper Maria Galley did an incredible job of silencing the attacks by saving six of the seven shots on goal.

“(Galley) was tremendous for us,” said Xavier coach Nate Lie. “She’s been great for us all season. All-conference goalkeeper as a freshman and I think she could’ve been first-team. I think she could’ve been conference freshman of the year.”

Tennessee’s defense played well in regulation but gave up three goals in overtime. Chloe Netzel scored on an assist from Natalie Bain to break the tie early in the first overtime period. Xavier sealed the match with a deep strike by Molly McLaughlin to make it 3-1 in the second OY. With six seconds remaining in the match, Sonia Vargas scored a final goal.

“We went down 1-0 in the first overtime so we started playing in a 3-4-3 just to get another player forward,” said Kirt. “Just trying, obviously, to create chances to score. Thought we did a pretty good job of that. … That was the reason, just sending more numbers forward, trying to chase the game and get a goal. It leaves us a little more exposed.”

Tennessee’s defense allowed 17 shots with five saves by Ally Zazzara. The lone regulation goal came from Ella Rogers in the 36the minute of the first half as she snuck a shot past Zazzara to make it 1-1.

Tennessee’s only goal came off the steady foot of Jaida Thomas at the 19 minute mark for a 1-0 lead. It was the 13th goal of the season and 38th of her career by Thomas. The redshirt junior is now five away from tying Kylee Rossi for the all-time career goals record at UT.

“I just tried to find the ball,” said Thomas on her goal. “Just kind of took that chance. Got a good touch and was just kind of able to put it away. Goalie was kind of cheating which helped make it a goal.”