RALEIGH, N.C.- Taking on ACC opponent NC State for the first time in two years, the Keydets were defeated 4-0 Wednesday night at Dail Soccer Field in Raleigh, N.C..
After an even opening 15 minutes of play, VMI (0-4-1) had its first opportunities of the contest in 15th minute on a pair of Matt Seinfeld corner kicks that we cleaned up by the NC State (2-2) defense.
NC State had the first quality scoring chance of the match in the 18th minute, as N.C. State's Akil DeFreitas was sprung on a breakaway from his forward position, but was broken up inside the six by VMI defender Zaher Shihata to keep the score knotted.
The Keydets would generate their top offensive try with four minutes left, as freshman Payton Case sent a cross from his midfield position to David Rochow on the right flank just outside the 18, resulting in a rocket of a shot near post that was saved by NC State's Will Mackvick.
Holding the Wolfpack to only five shots in the first half, NC State managed to get on the board with only 1:10 remaining. After a failed VMI clearance in its own 18, Mamadou Kansaye picked up the loose ball, and sent a pass to Watt Williams who found Nader Jaibat and gave the Wolfpack the lead by sending a shot into the right corner of the net just before the half.
Early into the second stanza, NC State would go on to extend its lead in the 49th minute. Midfielder Craig Sutherland would assist on a Chris Zuerner goal, as Sutherland darted down the left side and sent a through ball to Zuerner who found the lower left half of the net to give the Wolfpack a 2-0 lead.
Down 2-0, the Keydets would refuse to let up on offense, earning a free kick from 35 yards out by Seinfeld that was blocked inside the six, and was followed up by another Seinfeld shot in the sequence that was also turned away by the Wolfpack defense.
With 15:35 remaining, the Keydets conceded a penalty kick for the second-straight match, as Sonny Mukungu was taken down inside the box, resulting in a penalty kick by Tyler Lassiter that resulted in the Wolfpack's third goal of the match.
NC State would go on to add a goal at the 9:44 mark of the second half to bring the score to the final count of 4-0.
Senior Brian Haring was responsible for VMI's best offensive chance of the second frame, as he beat a pair of defenders inside the 18 and fired a shot that went narrowly wide of the right post with 3:45 remaining.
Seinfeld led the offense for VMI, registering four shots, with a pair on goal.
Brian Sowell made 3 stops in net for the Keydets, while Mackvick stunted 4 VMI opportunities.
The match also marked the return of 2009 Second Team All-Big South defender, junior Ayao Sossou, who played the entire match at his customary wing position.
The Keydets return to action Sun., Sept. 19 at 1 p.m., hosting the Adelphi Panthers in a non-conference clash from Patchin Field. Live stats will be available for the contest.
