LEXINGTON, Va. -- The VMI offense began to find some rhythm in the second half of play, however, they couldn't overcome an early 1-0 deficit as the Longwood Lancers (5-8-2) defeated the Keydets (5-8-3) by the same score on Tuesday at Patchin Field. Max Griessback netted the games only score early in the 16th minute as the Lancers defeated the Keydets by a final score of 1-0 for the second straight season.
Griessback connected on the game's lone score after Longwood sophomore forward Chernor Diallo fed a pass across the middle of the box past a pair of Keydet defenders. A streaking Griessback was there to knock home the easy score.
The Lancers, who have now won two straight and improve to 1-1-1 against Big South teams, controlled the pace of play for a majority of the opening half, and held a 6-3 shot advantage.
"Mentally we weren't there in the first half, we made some mistakes that allowed some opportunities for Longwood that they took advantage of," said VMI head coach Ben Freakley. "We made adjustments throughout the game, created some very good chances on goal, but missed out on a few opportunities."
The Keydets came out strong in the second session and created some very good scoring chances. Keydet sophomore forward Tony Nweke fired a hard volley shot in the 56th minute that just sailed over the crossbar. Meanwhile, freshmen Zach Morgan and John Sisco each had opportunities later in the half but were unable to net the equalizer.
Brian Sowell played well in goal for VMI, registering six saves and batting away several more Lancer scoring opportunities.
"Brian (Sowell) is a great goalkeeper, he has held us in many games and we are very fortunate to have him," added Freakley. "And the defense played good as well. They took and handled an immense amount of pressure."
The Keydets held Longwood to just 13 shots on the day, the second lowest total this season, but were also unable to score for the seventh time this year. On the day, Longwood posted a 13-9 advantage in shots.
"Our team is better then in the past, but we are not where we want to be," said Freakley. "We can't just play a second half of good soccer and think that will be good enough, but the guys recognize that. We just have to work towards a solution rather than just point to problems that we've had."
VMI will next host its final home game of the season on Saturday, November 3 against High Point at Patchin Field. There will be a special Senior Day presentation for VMI's four first classmen (Jeremy Clement, Wythe Horbal, John Sollock & Steve Phillips), prior to the start of the game, which begins at 11 a.m.
