BOX SCORE
BUIES CREEK, N.C. - Wythe Horbal's goal on a counter attack in the 75th minute proved to be the difference as VMI defeated Campbell 3-2 in men's soccer action Wednesday at the Eakes Athletic Complex. The Keydets (3-3-0) ended a three-game losing streak and handed Campbell (3-2-1) its first loss in four outings.
"Our guys played pretty consistently today," said VMI Assistant Coach Craig Roberts. "We were able to make progress throughout the game, and it helped us earn a tough win."
Michael Lloyd nearly put VMI in front in the 15th minute when his effort from outside the box bounded off the top of the right post. Lloyd then scored the game's first goal in the 26th minute when he netted his own rebound from Kirksey's save, his second goal of the season.
One of VMI's main concerns heading into the match was Campbell's brother tandem of Willy and Sonny Guadarrama, who had a combined total of 10 goals and four assists this season. Willy and Sonny scored a goal each, and put the Camels in front 2-1 in the first half.
"They are great players and presented some tough matchups for us today," said Roberts. "We just had to stay with them at all times."
VMI, however, rebounded and took eight of the first nine shots of the second half. The Keydets were rewarded when Keith Simpson broke in free on a counter attack. Camel keeper Brandon Kirksey made an initial save, but Simpson's header off the rebound hit the net to tie the score at 2-2.
The Camels nearly pulled back in front in the 69th minute, but Thomas Upton made a reaction save on Scott Phillips' attempt in the box. Upton grabbed a season-high seven saves in goal for the Keydets.
"Tommy is playing very consistently for us in the net, added Roberts. "He made some very big saves today that kept us in the game."
VMI's counter in the 75th minute proved to be the winning goal. Charles Nweke lofted the ball over the Camel back four and Horbal scored one-on-one against Kirksey for his second goal of the year.
Upton stopped Willy Guadarrama just inside the box in the 90th minute, and Justin Madrid's effort on the rebound sailed just over the bar to seal the victory for VMI.
Willy Guadarrama, who entered the game as the nation's leading scorer, ran his goal scoring streak to five games less than five minutes later. He collected an errant clearance outside the VMI area and hit a right-footed shot inside the left post for his ninth goal in six outings this season.
Campbell went ahead in the 38th minute on Sonny Guadarrama's third goal of the year. Upton charged off his line, but was unable to get to Guadarrama's looping free kick before it bounced by him and into the net.
After each Guadarrama brother capitalized in the first half of play, the VMI defense did a good job holding them scoreless in the sencond half. Part of that reason was the outstanding play of Addison Palanza, who had the task of marking Sonny, the key set up man for the Fighting Camels.
"Addison played another great game, and did an excellent job causing problems for him in the second half," said Roberts. "Michael Lloyd also played his best game of the year up front, but this was definitely a team win."
VMI finished with a 22-17 edge on shots, forcing Kirksey to make a career-high 12 saves.
"We are just looking to improve each game we play," said Roberts. "We need the entire squad to play well heading into conference play, and not just a select few."
The Keydets return to action on Saturday, when they host Howard (0-5-0) at 11 a.m. at Patchin Field.
