Box Score HIGH POINT, N.C.
? The VMI men's soccer team fell 2-1 to the High
Point Panthers Friday night in a Big South matchup played in High Point, N.C.,
due to a goal with just three seconds to play.
With the teams locked in a 1-1 tie, the Panthers controlled the pace for
the majority of the second half, but VMI's defense stood strong until the final
ten seconds. High Point
senior Chris Shrum found teammate Matt Tuttle, who curled a shot towards the goal from about 15
yards out. VMI keeper Brian Sowell made a headlong, diving
effort, but the ball found the upper left corner of the net to give the
Panthers the thrilling victory. The score, which officially came with just
three seconds left, made the final score 2-1.
VMI got on the board first, taking a 1-0 lead at the 30:58 mark of the
first half. Sonny Landry was able to get a ball through the High Point defense, and Brian Harding took
advantage as he found the near corner of the net to give the Keydets the game's
first goal.
The visiting Keydets held that lead until late in the opening half, when
the Panthers tied the score, thanks to a header off a corner kick. The teams
went to the locker room tied at one after 45 minutes of play. HPU outshot VMI
12-3 in the first half, but the majority of those shots were off the mark, as
Sowell was forced to make just three saves to preserve the tied score.
The second period was more defensively oriented, as the teams combined
for just eight shots in the final 45 minutes. VMI had a chance in the 73rd
minute, but a Daniel Welsh shot went just wide. High Point was able to possess the ball a
great deal, as they attempted seven shots in the second half, but the Panthers could
not convert until the final score.
Sowell made four saves for VMI in the losing effort, while High Point outshot VMI
19-4 on the evening.
With the win, High Point
moves to 8-6-3 overall, and 3-2-2 in the Big South. VMI drops to 2-12 and 1-5
in conference play. The Keydets return to action on Tuesday, as they host the
Liberty Flames in a Big South matchup at Patchin Field. Game time is currently
scheduled for 3 p.m., and the game will be broadcast live via the Big South
Edge.
