Score: VMI 0, Washington & Lee 0
Site: Lexington, Va. (Patchin Field)
Records: VMI (2-8-1, 0-3 Big South); Washington & Lee (8-0-1, 3-0 ODAC)
Up Next for VMI: Saturday, October 7 - at Winthrop (Winthrop Soccer Complex), 7:00 p.m.



LEXINGTON, Va. -- After 110 minutes of back-and-forth action on Wednesday afternoon at Patchin Field, the VMI Keydets and Washington & Lee Generals ended today's match with a scoreless draw in the non-conference matchup. The Generals remain unbeaten on the season at 8-0-1, while the Keydets remain unbeaten against W&L over the past five seasons, posting a mark of 3-0-2 in that span.

"Obviously it was great for us to get a shutout in the game," said head coach Ben Freakley. "It was tough for us to get things going, but we did generate 17 shots. But finishing is something that we have struggled with lately."

In the game, shots and corner kicks were even at 17-17 and 5-5, respectively. The Keydets made nine saves in the contest to W&L's 7, while VMI was whistled for 26 fouls to W&L's 15.

VMI senior goalie Thomas Upton had a career day for the Keydets. With the shutout, Upton moves into a tie atop the career lead for shutouts at VMI with eight, tied with Gary Morgan (1977-80). Upton also posted his career-best mark with eight saves in the game.

"Tommy Upton played very well today," added Freakley. "He had two saves that were very big and kept us in the game, and his distribution is very strong."

Parker Thurman led the charge for the Keydet offense, firing off six shots in the game but was unable to pick up his third goal of the season. Charles Nweke and Shawn Graham followed Thurman with two shots apiece.

W&L junior keeper Ted Sheedy grabbed seven saves in goal for the Generals, as he also picks up his fifth shutout of the season. W&L's leading scorer Jack Palmer took five shots in the match, but was unable to find the back of the net.

VMI will next jump back into Big South play as they travel down to Rock Hill, S.C. to square off with the Winthrop Eagles. The game will take place at Winthrop Soccer Complex on Saturday, October 7th at 7 p.m. The Keydets will be facing the nation's second-highest scoring team in Winthrop, and will also look for their first victory over the Eagles in seven tries.

Coach Freakley Postgame Comments

Game Notes:

-W&L still holds the all-time series lead over VMI, 16-14-4
-The two teams finished with a 0-0 draw in 2002 as well, also at Patchin Field.
-VMI snaps a four game losing streak with today's draw.
-VMI's Thomas Upton grabbed a career-high eight saves in the match, and is now tied for career shutouts at VMI with 8.




See Also:
2006 Season Stats
Career Stats
2006 VMI Media Guide