BOWLING GREEN, Ky. Each week we will recap the spring season highlights of the Western Kentucky University Soccer team through the feature, "This Week in Lady Topper Soccer." This week saw the Lady Toppers attending the U.S. Men’s National Team World Cup Qualifier against Trinidad and Tobago in Nashville, as well as hosting Vanderbilt University and Lindsey Wilson College at the WKU Soccer Complex.
WKU Women’s Soccer Takes In Qualifier
On Wednesday, April 1, a large number of Lady Toppers took the short drive down I-65 to Nashville to see the U.S. Men’s National Team host the Warriors of Trinidad and Tobago in the final group stage of the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying for the 2010 FIFA World Cup hosted in South Africa.
Coming into the match, the US had recently tied El Salvador the previous Saturday in San Salvador 2-2. The U.S .needed a dominating display on its home soil to strengthen their hold at the top of the table. Needless to say, WKU’s trip was not disappointing. With Jozy Altidore providing all three goals, he became the youngest player in U.S. Soccer history to score three or more goals in a match. With WKU a part of the record-setting 28,000 in attendance for a soccer event in the state of Tennessee, there was never a doubt as to who controlled the match from the opening whistle. With the win, the U.S. took hold of sole possession of first place in qualification for the World Cup.
The entire coaching staff Head Coach Jason Neidell, and Assistants Chris Tinius, Grant Williams, and Will Beddingfield was also on hand to soak in the atmosphere of international competition. Assistant Coach Will Beddingfield commented, "It’s always a great opportunity for our players to see soccer at a high level. The fact that it was also our National Team playing made it that much more special to make the trip and being a part of it was exciting for everyone."
Lady Toppers Go Undefeated in Two Games
WKU Women’s Soccer hosted SEC opponent Vanderbilt University and NAIA power Lindsey Wilson College on Saturday, April 4 at the WKU Soccer Complex. Competing against Lindsey Wilson and Vanderbilt would prove a great challenge for WKU with a high level of soccer from all three teams displayed throughout the day. Lindsey Wilson’s international flair and Vanderbilt’s organization and athleticism gave the Lady Toppers two very different and formidable opponents.
The first match brought Lindsey Wilson College to town in a rematch of the championship game from the previous weekend’s 7v7 Kicks for Cancer Tournament. Playing two 30-minute halves, LWC and WKU traded opportunities for most of the match. The individual creativity of Lindsey Wilson pushed the Lady Topper’s defensive organization and resolve. Junior defender Morgan Thomas (Franklin, Tenn.) led a defensive effort that stifled the Lindsey Wilson attack. In the 53rd minute, and in a replay of a move that occurred only minutes before, junior defender Katie Walker (Novi, Mich.) stepped in front of a LWC pass at midfield and immediately found Mallory Outerbridge (Regina, Saskatchewan) free on the right flank. Outerbridge’s quick burst and driven service into the box found sophomore Amanda Buechel (Cincinnati, Ohio) for a diving header to give the Lady Toppers a 1-0 lead. At full time, the Toppers walked away with a hard-fought 1-0 win and the knowledge that they had played well individually and as a team.
Lindsey Wilson and Vanderbilt played in the second match of the day with Vandy taking a 2-0 decision.
In the final match, the Lady Toppers hosted Vanderbilt. Playing two 40-minute halves, neither team could capitalize as the teams traded momentum in the first half. WKU goalkeeper Libby Stout came up with two saves to keep the match deadlocked 0-0 at half. The second half opened up on the attacking side, as both teams had several good chances to take the lead. Again, Stout, and the posts, came to the Lady Toppers rescue on a few occasions. WKU also generated several good opportunities including a spectacular save by the Vandy goalkeeper off a header by Thomas. After 80 minutes, the game ended 0-0 just as it had begun. Several Lady Toppers distinguished themselves with solid performances on the day including Thomas, Buechel, and freshman Kelsey Meyer (Hamilton, Ohio). WKU built on its strong showings against SEC opponents. The Lady Toppers defeated Ole Miss 2-1 in the opening match of the 2008 season and also defeated Mississippi State 2-1 during the 2007 regular season.
"To have continued success against one of the power conferences in the NCAA speaks volumes about our program," said Coach Neidell. "We are making positive strides this spring and look forward to our next SEC match this weekend against Kentucky."
The Lady Toppers return to the pitch on Saturday, April 11 as they host Kentucky at 11:00 am at the WKU Soccer Complex located on Creason Street. Admission is free. WKU and Kentucky battled to a 1-1 tie last spring in Lexington.
Watch for the next update of This Week in Lady Topper Soccer...
