Radford, Va. -- Radford junior Sean Johnson's (Gilbert, Ariz. / Yavapai JC) header midway through the second half found the back of the net and broke a 1-1 tie, Wednesday night, and served as the eventual game winner as the Highlanders edged VMI 2-1 in men's soccer at Patrick D. Cupp Memorial Stadium.

The Keydets (1-5, 0-2 Big South) fell behind early in the contest when Radford (3-3, 1-0 Big South) freshman Patrick Colas (Rennes, France / Lycee Zola) converted a penalty kick for a goal at the 9:17 mark.

Highlander senior captain Erik Sokolik (Scottsdale, Ariz. / Horizon) penetrated through VMI defenders and lined up for an open shot before he was fouled by a Keydet that lead to Radford's free kick.

VMI was able to answer back with seven minutes remaining in the first half when freshman Alec Winsper (Virginia Beach, Va./ Cox) scored on a terrific pass from freshman Mike Lloyd (Saline, Mich./ Saline).

The contest was extremely even statistically as both goalies recorded four saves with Radford executing just four more total shots then VMI, 15-11.

The game was the first ever Big South Conference meeting between the two clubs, and only the second Big South event ever for VMI athletics.

The Keydets next game is against Wofford College scheduled for Saturday afternoon at 4:00 pm in Spartanburg, S.C.

SCORING SUMMARY:
1. 9:17 RU COLAS, Patrick (penalty kick)
2. 37:00 VMI WINSPER, Alec (LLOYD, Mike)
3. 71:53 RU JOHNSON, Sean (MERRILL, Mark)

Shots: VMI 11, Radford University 15
Saves: VMI 4 (DOUGLAS, Brian 4), Radford University 4 (STEVENS, Dan 4)


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