Thomas Records Brace; Mocs Extends Unbeaten Streak to Eight

Thursday, October 1

Lexington, Va.

4:00 p.m.

Chattanooga

6-1-4, 2-0-1

VMI

0-12-1, 0-4-0

Team	1	2	Final F
Chattanooga	0	2	2
VMI	0	0	0

A soccer player in blue on a sunny day is kicking the ball during a game.

Photo by: Daniel Whitehead, VMI Athletics

10/1/2026 7:04:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

LEXINGTON, Va. --- Paige Thomas scored twice in the second half and the Chattanooga Mocs remained unbeaten in Southern Conference play with a 2-0 victory over VMI Thursday afternoon at Patchin Field.

The Mocs improved to 6-1-4 overall and 2-0-1 in league action, while VMI fell to 0-12-1 and 0-4-0 in the conference. Chattanooga extended its unbeaten streak to eight games, longest in program history. UTC is 5-0-3 following a 2-1 setback at Belmont on August 20.

"Tough game and always a difficult place to play," Chattanooga head coach Gavin McKinney said. "We're pleased to come home with three points and a clean sheet. Looking forward to being back at home Sunday."

Chattanooga controlled play throughout, outshooting the Keydets 21-5 and holding a 12-3 advantage in corner kicks. The Mocs placed 13 shots on goal and limited VMI to four shots on frame.

Despite the territorial advantage, the match remained scoreless through halftime as VMI goalkeeper Maren Ryberg made five first-half saves. Chattanooga generated eight corners and eight shots during the opening frame but couldn't find the breakthrough.

The Mocs finally broke the seal in the 60th minute when Quinn Johnson set up Paige Thomas for the opening goal at the 59:37 mark, giving Chattanooga a 1-0 lead. Johnson drove down the right side and sent a pass to Thomas in front of the goal for the score.

Thomas doubled the advantage in the 80th minute, scoring unassisted at 79:20 to provide the final 2-0 margin. She took control of the ball near midfield and drove into the box, sliding a shot into the goal, past the Keydet keeper. Thomas finished with a match-high seven shots, including six on goal, and recorded both Chattanooga goals.

Defensively, Chattanooga was sharp throughout the afternoon. Goalkeeper Addie Taylor recorded four saves and earned her second shutout, including three stops in the second half as VMI attempted to pull level. She improved to 3-0-2 in her five starts.

Johnson added four shots, two on goal and Elle Wakefield added three with one on frame.

VMI received an 11-save performance from Ryberg, who kept the match scoreless for nearly 60 minutes despite consistent pressure from the Mocs attack.

The Mocs return home Sunday, Oct. 4^th to host Western Carolina in SoCon action. The game kicks off at 1:00 p.m. Admission is free. A limited number of coffee koozies will be given away at the gate and pick up fun mix-ins to create your own Dirty Soda.

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