Score: Radford 1, VMI 0
Site: Lexington, Va. (Patchin Field)
Records: VMI (2-5, 0-2 Big South), Radford (5-3, 2-0 Big South)
Up Next for VMI: Friday, Sep. 22 - at Virginia Tech (VT Soccer Stadium), 7:00 p.m.

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LEXINGTON, Va. -- VMI and Radford battled back and forth in a typical Big South Conference matchup on Wednesday afternoon. After 52 scoreless minutes in the match, the Highlanders slipped a header past VMI keeper John Sollock in front of the net for the game's lone goal, and propelled Radford to their second conference win of the season on a chilly day at Patchin Field.

With the win, Radford improves to 5-3 overall and 2-0 in the Big South, while the Keydets fall to 2-5, and 0-2 in conference play.

"I don't think we really showed up to play all the way today," said head coach Ben Freakley. "We were slow to get into our rhythm, and our ability to defend with speed and organization was just not there."

Neither team could get much going in the opening half of play. Radford managed to fire off nine shots to just two for the Keydets, but couldn't find the back of the net.

In the 27th minute, VMI suffered a tough loss when keeper Thomas Upton was knocked out of the game after a hard challenge. However, Sollock jumped in and quickly turned away a pair of shots to keep the game tied.

"John did a great job of stepping in for Tommy (Upton) today," added Freakley. "He was very tough today."

Both teams picked up their intensity in the second half, and were creating better scoring chances. The Highlanders took full advantage of their best chance in the game, as freshman Justin Zimmer headed in a throw from teammate Jon Smith to put his team up 1-0. The goal was also the first of Zimmer's career.

The Keydets managed to earn six corner kicks and nine shots in the second half, but were just not able to find the equalizer. Radford keeper Zach Roszel grabbed four saves in the match to pick up his sixth win and second shutout of the season. His counterpart, Sollock, finished the contest with a season-high five saves.

"It's probably the hardest loss I've taken this season as a coach," added Freakley. "This conference is very competitive, but we can do better. Our team didn't play the way they are capable of playing today."

In the game, Radford outshot the Keydets 21-11, and held a slight edge in corner kicks 10-8. The game was also a physical one, with a total of five cautions and 31 fouls called by the official.

VMI looks to quickly rebound from this tough loss as they make their first road trip in nearly two weeks. VMI travels to Blacksburg, Va. to take on the Virginia Tech Hokies on Friday, Sept. 22. Game will take place at 7:00 p.m. at Virginia Tech Soccer Stadium.


Game Notes:

-Radford now leads the all-time series against the Keydets 15-3-2.

-The Keydets home record is now 13-8-1 over the past three seasons at Patchin Field.

-VMI has lost each of its first two conference games by a single goal.



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