Thursday, September 7
Knoxville, TN
7:00 PM
Radford University
3-3-1, 0-0-0
1
at
3
Tennessee
4-1-1, 0-0-0
| Team | 1 | 2 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radford | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Tennessee | 2 | 1 | 3 |
Photo by: Rob Simmons
Kirnos’ Historic Goal Highlights Highlanders’ Valiant Effort at Tennessee
9/7/2023 9:15:00 PM | Women's Soccer
KNOXVILLE, TENN. – The Radford women's soccer team came out of the gates firing Thursday night at Tennessee and came up just short 3-1. Alexeis Kirnos scored in the opening minute for Radford, a historic goal that gave Radford its first lead on the road against a power opponent since 1994.
In enemy territory facing a power conference opponent in Tennessee, Radford needed an electric start. Just 40 seconds into the match, Kirnos would make that move. The fifth-year senior stole the ball from a Lady Volunteer defender and wasted no time placing it perfectly into the top-left corner of the net for the 1-0 advantage.
The goal was a historic one for the Highlanders in many ways. It was the first goal by Radford against a power conference opponent since the 2008 NCAA Tournament when McKenzie Vergara netted a goal against the 15th seed Duke. It was also the first lead by Radford against a power conference opponent since October 10th, 2001, against Virginia Tech in a game played at Radford. On the road, leading against a top tier opponent isn't something Radford has done since 1994 at Louisville. No other Big South school has scored a goal against a power conference foe this season.
Radford would play a stout defense for another 16 minutes, but Tennessee eventually broke through with a well-struck goal to even the game at one-all. In the 29th minute, Tennessee struck again to gain a 2-1 lead.
A 49th minute goal wrapped up the scoring for the Lady Volunteers in a 3-1 final, but freshman goalkeeper Radvanyi stood strong against a relentless attack finishing with four saves on the night.
"What a great start," commented head coach Ben Sohrabi. "I was really happy for Kirnos and the team to go up 1-0 early. Tennessee is a quality program that has so many resources and after 90 minutes they wore us down. I'm proud of the fight and toughness we showed tonight. Even with the loss I felt we grew as a team."
Radford closes out the home portion of its nonconference schedule this upcoming Sunday, September 10th as they play host to Appalachian State. The Highlanders and Mountaineers meet up after a thrilling 2-2 tie in the 2022 season with action set to kickoff at 2 p.m. on ESPN+.
FOLLOW RADFORD WOMEN'S SOCCER ON SOCIAL MEDIA
For more information on the Radford women's soccer team follow @RadfordWSOC on Twitter and Instagram or Radford Women's Soccer on Facebook.
In enemy territory facing a power conference opponent in Tennessee, Radford needed an electric start. Just 40 seconds into the match, Kirnos would make that move. The fifth-year senior stole the ball from a Lady Volunteer defender and wasted no time placing it perfectly into the top-left corner of the net for the 1-0 advantage.
The goal was a historic one for the Highlanders in many ways. It was the first goal by Radford against a power conference opponent since the 2008 NCAA Tournament when McKenzie Vergara netted a goal against the 15th seed Duke. It was also the first lead by Radford against a power conference opponent since October 10th, 2001, against Virginia Tech in a game played at Radford. On the road, leading against a top tier opponent isn't something Radford has done since 1994 at Louisville. No other Big South school has scored a goal against a power conference foe this season.
Radford would play a stout defense for another 16 minutes, but Tennessee eventually broke through with a well-struck goal to even the game at one-all. In the 29th minute, Tennessee struck again to gain a 2-1 lead.
A 49th minute goal wrapped up the scoring for the Lady Volunteers in a 3-1 final, but freshman goalkeeper Radvanyi stood strong against a relentless attack finishing with four saves on the night.
"What a great start," commented head coach Ben Sohrabi. "I was really happy for Kirnos and the team to go up 1-0 early. Tennessee is a quality program that has so many resources and after 90 minutes they wore us down. I'm proud of the fight and toughness we showed tonight. Even with the loss I felt we grew as a team."
Radford closes out the home portion of its nonconference schedule this upcoming Sunday, September 10th as they play host to Appalachian State. The Highlanders and Mountaineers meet up after a thrilling 2-2 tie in the 2022 season with action set to kickoff at 2 p.m. on ESPN+.
FOLLOW RADFORD WOMEN'S SOCCER ON SOCIAL MEDIA
For more information on the Radford women's soccer team follow @RadfordWSOC on Twitter and Instagram or Radford Women's Soccer on Facebook.
Team Stats
RAD
VOLS
Goals
1
3
Shots
2
25
Shots on Goal
1
8
Saves
4
0
Corners
0
7
Fouls
6
9
Scoring Plays
Alexeis Kirnos (3)
GOAL by RAD Kirnos, Alexeis.
00:35
Maria Nelson (2)
Assisted By: Kameron Simmonds , Jordan Fusco
GOAL by VOLS Nelson, Maria Assist by Simmonds, Kameron and Fusco, Jordan.
16:07
Kameron Simmonds (6)
GOAL by VOLS Simmonds, Kameron.
28:16
Sizzy Lawton (2)
GOAL by VOLS Lawton, Sizzy.
48:25
Game Leaders
Shots
2
SOG
1
Goals
1
Assists
0
Players Mentioned
M/F
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