Tony Nweke's goal in the 74th minute proved to be enough as the Keydets held on for a 1-0 victory over Philadelphia University on Sunday afternoon at Ravenhill Field.
The Keydets 4-2-1 start marks the program's best start since 1999, when VMI began 5-2. VMI has now also gone unbeaten over its last five matches, posting a 4-0-1 mark in that span. Today's 1-0 victory also marks the first time the team has posted back-to-back shutouts since the 2004 season.
VMI freshman goalie Brian Sowell, who ranks third in the country in saves per game (7.7), grabbed nine in the contest to preserve his second-straight clean-sheet.
The Rams fall to 0-6-1, having lost all six of their matches by just a one-goal differential.
On a clear and sunny day in the City of Brotherly Love, the defenses shined by limiting each team's offense to just 11 shots. Philadelphia held the edge in corner kicks, earning six to VMI's three.
Nweke was one of four Keydets to post a pair of shots in the game (Nweke, Morgan, Hill & Zimmerman), and his game-winner was his team-best second in that category and fourth overall on the season, also tops for the team.
Sowell picked up his fourth victory of the season with the shutout, lowering his goals-against-average to 1.41. His counterpart in the game, Philadelphia's Ezra Cassell, recorded seven saves on the day in net.
VMI will have the week off to prepare for their Big South Conference opener, as they travel to Conway, S.C. to face the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers on Sunday, September 29. Game time is slated for 3 p.m. at CCU Soccer Field.
