LEXINGTON, Va. -- Junior forward Wythe Horbal ignited the Keydet offense in the second half with his game-tying score in the 60th minute, but VMI (5-7-3) couldn't connect on the equalizer as they battled to a 1-1 tie against Presbyterian (3-10-2) in men's soccer action on Sunday afternoon. With the result, VMI improves to 5-7-3 on the year while Presbyterian's record now stands at 3-10-2.

In the first meeting between VMI and future Big South member Presbyterian, the Blue Hose came out strong in the first half and struck 13 shots to just two for the Keydets. Their offensive persistence paid off in the 38th minute of play when senior John Odum headed home a corner kick from teammate Davis Orders to give the Blue Hose the 1-0 lead.

In the second period, however, the VMI offense was able to get things going and create scoring chances. The Keydets outshot the Blue Hose by a 9-8 margin in the half, and evened the score in the 60th minute when Horbal hit a volley off a well-placed long ball from freshman Chris Curtis. Horbal stuck the shot in the top-left corner past Presbyterian goalie Mark Owens for his fourth of the season.

Presbyterian came out and controlled the first overtime session with four shots and a pair of corner kicks, but couldn't produce a goal. The two teams each took two shots in the final overtime period, but both were once again unable to come away with the game-winner.

For the game, Presbyterian outshot the Keydets 27-13, and held a 14-8 advantage in corner kicks. The game saw 32 total fouls produced, as well as four cautions and two red cards. Presbyterian was forced to play a man-down for the final 10+ minutes when defender Nick Whicker was sent off.

VMI freshman goalie Brian Sowell finished the day with seven saves, including six in the opening half. Meanwhile, Presbyterian's Owens collected six for the game.

The Keydets will now play the second of three-straight home games on Tuesday, October 30 when they host Longwood University at Patchin Field. Game time is set for 4 p.m., and will also be video streamed live on the Big South Edge. The Blue Hose will round out their home schedule on Saturday, November 3 as they host USC-Upstate in Clinton, S.C at 7 p.m.