Tide Takes Down Vandy in SEC Tournament
NOV 3, 2024 – The Alabama Crimson Tide punched their ticket to the next round of the SEC Tournament with a 2-1 victory over the Vanderbilt Commodores on Sunday night at the Brosnaham Soccer Complex in Pensacola, Florida. A dominant first-half performance set the tone, as Alabama struck early and held off a late Vanderbilt push to secure the win.
FAST START POWERS ALABAMA TO VICTORY
Alabama wasted no time asserting itself, breaking through in just the ninth minute of the match. Nadia Ramadan capitalized on a loose ball inside the box and delivered a clinical strike across the face of the goal, finding the lower left corner. The goal marked Ramadan’s sixth of the season and gave the Crimson Tide an early 1-0 advantage.
The momentum continued for Alabama, and less than 10 minutes later, they doubled their lead. Veteran defender Gessica Skorka delivered a pinpoint cross from the right side, connecting perfectly with Zivana Labovic at the back post. Labovic’s header sailed past Vanderbilt goalkeeper Sara Wojdelko to put Alabama up 2-0 in the 18th minute.
Alabama controlled possession for much of the first half, dictating the pace and forcing Vanderbilt to play from behind. The Crimson Tide limited the Commodores to just one shot on goal in the first 45 minutes, entering the halftime break with a comfortable lead.
VANDERBILT FIGHTS BACK BUT FALLS SHORT
Vanderbilt came out of the break determined to shift the momentum. They found more offensive rhythm in the second half, outshooting Alabama 7-4 in the final 45 minutes. Despite this, Alabama’s defense, anchored by goalkeeper Coralie Lallier, stood firm.
The Commodores’ persistence finally paid off in the 77th minute when they broke through on a set piece. Sophomore Courtney Jones curled in a well-placed corner kick, and teammate Ella Eggleston rose above the defense to head the ball into the net, cutting Alabama’s lead to 2-1.
With renewed energy, Vanderbilt pressed hard in the final 10 minutes, firing two more shots and creating several dangerous opportunities. Alabama, however, stayed composed defensively, absorbing the pressure and preventing an equalizer. Lallier finished the match with two key saves, ensuring the Crimson Tide’s victory.
