KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee women’s soccer team spent four days in Southern California in mid-September, traveling to Los Angeles for some sun, surf and, of course, soccer. The Lady Vol footballers used the trip to the Golden State to get more than a tan, however, coming home with their second tournament title of the season and a three-match shutout streak in tow.
UT claimed the tournament championship after topping Nebraska on Sept. 14, 2-0, and then tying then-No. 17 USC, 0-0, on Sept. 16. Though the Lady Vols and the Women of Troy had identical 1-0-1 records in the tournament, after USC downed Georgia in its first game, 1-0, the Orange and White emerged victorious based on goal differential. Junior forward Kylee Rossi’s second half goal against the Huskers proved to be the difference in the tournament title.
“We are very excited to win our second tournament of the season, especially when it takes us across the country against two very strong opponents," Tennessee Head Coach Angela Kelly said.
The Orange and White remains undefeated against ranked opponents this season after junior goalkeeper Jaimel Johnson posted eight saves to hold a strong USC team scoreless through 110 minutes of play. Although the Women of Troy took 19 shots in the match, Johnson blanked them, notching the Lady Vols’ fourth shutout of the season to bring their record to 4-1-1 overall.
“USC is the best team we’ve faced thus far,” Kelly said. “They were physical and emotionally invested in this game and committed to being successful. It was an exciting game, and it challenged us in ways that I was hoping it would. It definitely prepared us for anything that we may face in our conference play.”
Against Nebraska, the Lady Vols got the first goals of the season from Rossi and senior forward Emily Redberg. Sophomore midfielder Mick Imgram notched her second assist of the season, and junior midfielder Leslie Vineyard dished out the first helper of her career on the second goal.
Following a dominant weekend between the pipes, Johnson moved to third all-time in shutouts at UT with nine and tied for fourth in career goalkeeper wins with 10. Johnson was also named Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Week. For their efforts, Imgram, Johnson and freshman Tanya Emerson earned all-tournament team selections.
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