IRVINE, Calif. --- UC Irvine women's soccer was just a step behind ninth-ranked Vanderbilt edged by a 1-0 score Friday night in Anteater Stadium.

Hard Working Half
Entering the game, Vanderbilt (3-0-0) was dominant against its opponents outscoring them, 11-0, while UC Irvine (0-3-0) was headed the other way outscored, 8-0. The first half Friday night between these two programs was much closer than that. Vanderbilt the first shot off early in the eight minute, and peppered a few in periodically, but finished with just four first half shots to UCI's one.

The Commodores had the two main scoring chances, once in the 33rd minute followed by another in the 36th. On both occasions, the Anteater defenders came to their keeper Glo Hinojosa's aid. Jessica Miclat was on the doorstep once kicked a wobbling ball from off the goalline. The second stop was a team effort as a shot pinball around the six-yard box and was headed away keeping things scoreless through 45 minutes.

Quick Response
Vanderbilt was able to break the tie early in the second stanza taking advantage of speed in the 47th minute. Madison Elwell punted a ball forward into the Anteater defensive third. Haley Hopkins sprint toward the box alongside Anteater defender McKenzie Madison. Hopkins just outstretched Madison and the oncoming Hinojosa poking the ball through and into the net for a 1-0 Vanderbilt lead.

Last Gasp
The 'Eaters poured on the offense down the stretch taking back the time of possession and throwing everything at the Commodore goal looking for an equalizer. Scarlett Camberos and Alex Jaquez zipped all around the attacking third just missing on runs and through ball, and Vandy keeper Lauren Demarchi stepped in to intercept a few crosses and haul in the lone shot on target in the 85th minute to preserve the lead and shutout

Final Score: #9 Vanderbilt 1, UC Irvine 0
The 'Eaters remain winless through the first three matches mirroring their 2018 start where UCI was 0-2-1 through three matches. For the second time in a week, the 'Eaters were defeated by a ninth-ranked squad after opening at Virginia running the team's record to 6-10-1 all-time against ranked schools, 3-3 when playing in Anteater Stadium, and 5-9-1 under coach Juniper. UCI's all-time record against the SEC now stands at 3-6-0

The Commodores held the edge in shots on the match, 12-4, as well as corner kicks, 5-2, and fouls, 11-8. Each side drew a yellow card, Elwell for Vanderbilt and Kyndal McKinney for UCI, in the first half. UC Irvine defense stopped four shots on frame, two by Hinojosa and two more registered as team saves. UCI put one of its four shots on target.

What Else Happened
The Anteaters went with the same starting lineup for a second straight match including Glo Hinojosa making her second career start...Aleah Kelley returned to her spot in the defensive backfield after playing as a forward for the first two matches...Amber Huff came on as a sub late in the first half to make her season debut after missing the first two matches...redshirt sophomore Sam Nieto entered in the match's final five minutes to make her collegiate debut

Back At It
UC Irvine looks for the season's first result with another home match this weekend on Sunday, September 1. The 'Eaters open the month with a 6:00 p.m. kickoff against projected Big Sky champion, Northern Colorado, who is also winless at 0-2-1 coming off a Friday night loss at Cal State Fullerton, 5-0.