Courtney Jones Lifts Vanderbilt Soccer Past SMU With Late Opening-Night Winner

Join The Dore Report for 75% off and get a full year of premium Vanderbilt coverage for only $30 Vanderbilt began its 2026 season in dramatic fashion Wednesday night, defeating SMU 4-3 behind a game-winning goal from Courtney Jones in the final two minutes. Jones broke a 3-3 tie at the 88:53 mark, giving the Commodores the victory in the first Vanderbilt athletic event of the 2026-27 calendar. The late goal capped an action-packed season opener played in front of 622 fans at the Vanderbilt Soccer Complex. Vanderbilt created the first strong opportunity of the night when Sydney Watts hit the crossbar in the 14th minute. The Commodores continued to apply pressure before Reagan Pentz finally broke through at 31:02, scoring the first Vanderbilt goal of the new athletics season. The lead lasted less than two minutes. Brooke Bunton answered for SMU at 32:46, assisted by Maleeya Martin, and the teams entered halftime tied at one. Vanderbilt quickly took control after the break through Watts and Olivia Stafford. Watts set up Stafford for a goal at 47:31, putting the Commodores back in front. Less than six minutes later, Stafford assisted Watts for Vanderbilt’s third goal of the night. The quick scoring burst gave the Commodores a 3-1 advantage early in the second half. SMU refused to go away. A Vanderbilt own goal in the 61st minute reduced the lead to one, and Kaia Samuelsen Elverum tied the game at 64:51 off an assist from Libby Jannereth. **Join The Dore Report for 75% off and get a full year of premium Vanderbilt coverage for only $30** The Mustangs’ comeback erased Vanderbilt’s early second-half advantage, but the Commodores continued pushing for a winner. They attempted 14 shots and earned eight corner kicks after halftime, repeatedly forcing SMU to defend inside its own end. That pressure finally paid off in the closing moments. With the game appearing headed toward a draw, Jones found the back of the net with just 67 seconds remaining. SMU could not produce another response, allowing Vanderbilt to leave opening night with a 4-3 victory. The Commodores finished with a 21-8 advantage in shots and placed seven attempts on goal. They also earned 11 corner kicks compared to four for the Mustangs. Vanderbilt committed only five fouls, while SMU was called for 12. Watts and Stafford each recorded a goal and an assist, while Pentz scored the team’s first goal of the season. Jones ultimately provided the difference, delivering the final moment in a memorable return for Vanderbilt athletics. West End Sports Partners West End Sports Partners is redefining the Vanderbilt fan experience through exclusive events, premium memberships, original content and meaningful NIL opportunities. Learn more: westendsportspartners.com A New Leaf Counseling and Consulting Vandy Nation, we’ve survived the Stackhouse and Mason years – our mental health has taken a beating. 😅 When life gets tough, don’t turn to AI for support. Turn to Coleman Thompson and the licensed professionals at A New Leaf Counseling and Consulting. Learn more or schedule an appointment at https://www.anewleafcounseling.net/ **Join The Dore Report for 75% off and get a full year of premium Vanderbilt coverage for only $30**