# @sec on YouTube

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://youtube.com/watch?v=B9gke4FAi2I
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/69384606-sec-youtube
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/ed0fce0e1b.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-08-17T20:00:42.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Southeastern Conference (@SEC) — https://gondola.cc/SEC

## Caption

SMU 3, No. 5 Vanderbilt 4
Vanderbilt Soccer Complex, Nashville, TN. August 12, 2026

Fifth-ranked Vanderbilt held off a determined SMU squad in a wild season opener, winning 4- 3 in front of 622 fans and giving head coach Darren Ambrose the milestone win that made him the winningest coach in program history.

Vanderbilt controlled much of the flow, holding the ball for a full third of the match in the attacking half and firing off 21 shots to SMU's 8. Despite that lopsided territorial edge, the Commodores managed just 7 shots on target, and the finishing struggles nearly cost them. SMU made the most of its limited chances, converting 4 shots on target into 3 goals, including one unlucky deflection off a Vanderbilt defender that snuck past the goalkeeper as she dove out to claim a cross. Vanderbilt also generated 11 corner kicks without finding the back of the net off any of them, adding to the tension of a match that stayed unsettled deep into the second half.

Vanderbilt ultimately did enough to escape with the win, its four goals just enough to hold off the Mustangs' three. The result gave Ambrose his 127th career win at Vanderbilt, one more than program legend Ken McDonald, who had held the previous record set over a 10-year run in the 1990s, though McDonald reached his mark in 27 fewer matches. Ambrose, now in his 12th season at West End, has built Vanderbilt into a national power, guiding the program to its first Sweet 16 in 2024 and its first-ever number-one overall seed and Elite Eight run in 2025.

SMU, in its third season in the ACC, dropped its season opener despite a spirited offensive showing, while Vanderbilt moved to 1-0 as it opens a season with high expectations after last year's historic playoff run. The Commodores return home to host ETSU next for Senior Night festivities.

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## Stats

- **Views:** 142
- **Likes:** 1
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## Tags

sectourney, vanderbiltcommodores, secsoccerhighlights, secsocceropeningweekend, secsoccer, highlights, sec

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