CLEMSON, S.C. — Vanderbilt is going to the second round of the NCAA Tournament after a thrilling 1-0 victory over fifth-seeded Clemson on Friday afternoon at Riggs Field.
The Commodores knocked off No. 25 Clemson to advance to the second round for the seventh time in program history.
The Commodores broke the stalemate in the 61st minute as Peyton Cutshall headed in her third goal in as many games to put Vandy in front 1-0. Abi Brighton took the corner that led to the goal for her fifth assist on the season.
WHO ELSE BUT CUTSHALL
Dores break through with under 30 to play in the second half.
📺 ESPN+#AnchorDown pic.twitter.com/rYKfPCR5um
— Vanderbilt Soccer (@VandySoccer) November 11, 2022
After trading shots in the opening minutes, Vanderbilt and Clemson traded spells of possession with neither side creating much danger in front of goal for much of the first half. The final 10 minutes before halftime opened up with the Commodores putting two shots on target, but the score remained 0-0 at the break.
Vanderbilt’s defense weathered an aggressive Clemson attack to start the second half and once again took control of possession.
After Cutshall’s goal, Vandy withstood Clemson’s last-minute efforts for the equalizer to hold on for the upset victory. Vanderbilt is now 7-2-3 in first round matches and have advanced to the second round four times since 2017 under head coach Darren Ambrose.
Hear from @brighton_abi after today’s win in her home state.#AnchorDown pic.twitter.com/vV8ERJeVAe
— Vanderbilt Soccer (@VandySoccer) November 11, 2022
Vanderbilt (12-4-4) will play either fourth-seeded Northwestern or SIUE in the next round. The location of that contest will be determined at the conclusion of the first-round games.