LEXINGTON, Va. -- Junior Barrett Luxhoj used his head twice to score while freshman goalie Brian Sowell stopped six shots to break the VMI single-season record for shutouts as VMI defeated High Point 2-0 on Saturday at Patchin Field on Senior Day.
With the win, VMI improves to 6-8-3 overall, and 2-2-1 in the Big South while High Point falls to 5-12-1, and 1-5 in conference play.
Luxhoj found the back of the net off a pair of free kicks by freshman Chris Curtis for his first two career goals. Meanwhile, Sowell set the VMI season mark for shutouts (4.5), eclipsing the former mark shared by Thomas Upton (2004), John Simmons (2001) and Gary Morgan (1977).
The Keydets were able to get off to a fast start in today's home finale when Luxhoj hit a well-placed header into the right-corner of the goal off a corner kick from Curtis. VMI continued the pressure throughout the remainder of the first half, outshooting High Point by an 8-7 margin.
One of VMI's four seniors, Wythe Horbal, led the offensive charge with three shots, including knocking one off the crossbar in the 19th minute. Fellow senior John Sollock made his first appearance as a field player, and had a scoring chance blocked by a High Point defender.
The Keydets were able to extend their lead in the 65th minute when Luxhoj struck a diving header that slipped past Panthers' goalkeeper Corey Whisenhunt to give VMI a 2-0 lead. The score came off a free kick from Curtis, who collected his team-best fourth assists of the season.
High Point would pick up the pressure for the remainder of the match. However, despite taking 11 shots in the second session, they were unable to capitalize as Sowell grabbed four saves and earned his fifth shutout of the year.
Sowell would give way to senior goalie Steve Phillips in the 90th minute, who came in to play in his final home game. VMI's fourth senior, Jeremy Clement, was inactive for today's game due to an injury.
VMI's fifth shutout also ties a team record for shutouts, a mark set back in 2004. This season's mark, however, represents the most shutouts against Division I opponents (5).
The Keydets will now conclude its regular season and Big South schedule when they meet Liberty on Tuesday, November 6 in Lynchburg, Va. Game time will be at 7 p.m. at Liberty Soccer Field.
