Sept. 12, 2003
TEMPE, Ariz. -- The 11th-ranked Arizona State Sun Devils (3-1-1) opened their home soccer season on Friday night, tying the visiting Vanderbilt Commodores 1-1 in front of 775 fans at Sun Devil Soccer Stadium. U.S. Under-21 National Team defender Amy LePeilbet scored her second goal of the season for the home team midway through the second half with Vanderbilt tying the score just over five minutes later on a penalty kick.
After a scoreless first half, sophomore midfielder Stephanie Ebner lofted a pass that found LePeilbet in the Commodore penalty area where the senior drove home the opening goal in the 65th minute. In the 71st minute Vanderbilt forward Laura Hershenow collided with Sun Devil goalkeeper Kelly Fitzgerald and the visitors were awarded a penalty kick.. Hershenow put home the spot kick herself to bring the game level and force overtime.
With under five minutes remaining the Sun Devils appeared to have what would have been the game winner courtesy of Elizabeth Bogus yet ASU was ruled offside, nullifying the goal. Arizona State recorded 15 shots to Vanderbilt's eight and also held a 13-2 advantage in corner kicks for the evening. Commodore goalkeeper Esther Thompson had an impressive outing with nine saves for the evening.
The Sun Devils return to action next Friday night at home against San Francisco at 7 p.m.