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Men?s Soccer Rolls 5-1 over Averett

LEXINGTON, Va.- Five different Keydets scored goals as VMI extended their win streak to five games, defeating Averett 5-1 on a cold, rainy Wednesday afternoon at Patchin Field.

Freshmen Josh Hanna, Jeremy Clement and Dylan Reed joined sophomore Edward Mills and junior Joe Picariello in the scoring column for the Keydets (8-4-1, 2-1-1 Big South), who posted 48 shots in the contest.

“It was a good opportunity for us to play a lot of new faces and let some guys try and develop a little bit,” said VMI head coach Stephen Ross. “We were pleased with the way we played. We fought, we stayed disciplined throughout the game, and a number of guys were able to show what they are capable of doing. Now, we just start getting ready for Winthrop. I think everyone is hungry, now that everyone has seen some time on the field, I think that will rejuvenate them for practice this week.”

Averett (1-11) remained in the game in the first half due to the outstanding effort of keeper Mike Stites, who made 12 of his 19 saves in the first half. Mills' second goal of the season was all that VMI had to show for outshooting their opponents 29-1 in the game's opening frame.

In the second half, the Keydets continued to put the pressure on and finally broke through in the 59th minute, when Hanna found the back of the net from the middle of the box. Two minutes later, Clement scored his first collegiate goal off of a corner kick by Mills.

Averett would not give in though, as Wesley Stepp rattled the far post with a rocket from outside of the 18-yard box on the left side on a direct kick.

Reed answered just two minutes later, converting his first collegiate goal on a penalty kick in the 70th minute. Picariello's first goal of the year in the 88th minute capped the scoring.

Freshmen John Sollock and Steve Phillips each played 45 minutes in goal for the Keydets, who are one win away from tying the school's record for victories in a season.

VMI will look to extend their school-record win streak Saturday afternoon, when they travel to Rock Hill, S.C. to take on Winthrop. The Eagles, who stand undefeated in Big South play, will host the Keydets at 1 p.m. at Eagle Field.

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