In the 2025 SEC Soccer Tournament Championship, second-seeded Vanderbilt defeated fifth-seeded LSU in a closely contested match that ended 1-1 after regulation and extra time, leading to an intense penalty shootout where Vanderbilt triumphed 8-7. LSU's Gabbi Ceballos opened the scoring in the 26th minute, but Vanderbilt equalized in the 70th minute through Vivian Akyirem. The match extended through two overtime periods without a winner, resulting in a dramatic shootout. Strong performances by both goalkeepers marked the game, particularly with each making five saves during regulation and extra time. This victory marked Vanderbilt's first SEC Tournament title and capped off their successful 15-win season.

By the Numbers
  • Final score: Vanderbilt 1, LSU 1 (Vanderbilt wins 8-7 on penalties)
  • Vanderbilt achieved a total of 15 wins in the season.
State of Play
  • Both teams showcased strong defensive skills with goalkeepers making critical saves throughout the match.
  • LSU reached the SEC title match as the lowest seed since 2020 but fell short despite their strong effort.
What's Next

Vanderbilt will aim to build on this championship win as they prepare for the upcoming regular season and potential NCAA tournament appearances. LSU will look to regroup and improve after a solid tournament run despite missing the title.

Bottom Line

This dramatic victory not only highlights Vanderbilt's resilience but also raises expectations for their future performance in collegiate soccer, establishing them as a formidable force in the SEC.