KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The No. 24 Tennessee soccer team began the 2026 season on a strong note, securing a 4-1 victory over Rutgers on Thursday night at Regal Soccer Stadium.
A pair of braces by Kylee Simmons and Kai Tsakiris highlighted a complete attacking performance by the Lady Vols.
Simmons was quick off the mark in her first match back from an ACL injury that ruled her out for the entirety of 2025, scoring eight minutes into her first official match with Tennessee. Tsakiris doubled Tennessee’s advantage just over 20 minutes later, pouncing on a free kick delivery the Scarlet Knights failed to clear from the penalty area.
Tennessee strengthened their grip on the match with a third goal in the 67th minute as Simmons found her second of the match, finishing a well-worked move at the far post. Taylor Cheatham and Shae O’Rourke recorded assists on Simmons’ second goal, marking a goal contribution on O’Rourke’s return from her own ACL injury.
“This last year has been a grind,” Simmons said after the match. “I’ve missed the game so much and I wouldn’t be able to do it without my team. They’ve been my lifeline this past year.”
Rutgers would spoil the clean sheet for Tennessee with a goal in the 76th minute, which proved to be a consolation prize as the Lady Vols put the match to bed behind a Kai Tsakiris penalty kick goal in the 86th minute, a second debut goal for the Florida transfer.
“Really great performance from our team tonight, in every phase,” said head coach Joe Kirt after the match. “Our players showed up to compete and represented who we are really well. I’m really proud of the start. We’ve got more to do, but it’s a great starting point.”
Tennessee will be back in action for their second match of the season on Sunday, Aug. 16, at Regal Soccer Stadium. The Lady Vols host South Alabama with kickoff set for 2:00 p.m. ET.
