ANNAPOLIS, Md.- In a rare battle of service academy schools, the Navy Midshipmen bested the VMI Keydets Saturday night in the second leg of the UMBC/Navy Kickoff Classic in Annapolis, Md. The VMI defense fought hard in the first half and trailed 1-0 at the break, but was outshot by a 20-4 margin in the defeat.
VMI (0-2) was forced to withstand an offensive barrage in the early going, as Navy (2-0) had 10 shots in the first 32 minutes of action. The stingy Keydet defense eventually succumbed in the 33rd minute, as Will Parker gave the Midshipmen a 1-0 lead on a pass on a service from Alex Forsett.
The Midshipmen would carry the 1-0 lead into the half, along with a 13-0 shot advantage over the Keydets. The lone offensive production for VMI in the frame was a corner kick in the 25th minute that was quickly cleaned up by the Midshipmen defense.
Nearly eight minutes into the second half, Navy would double its lead at the 52:16 mark as Dave Arnold took a shot on goal that was initially stopped by VMI keeper Brian Sowell, but Alex Wilson collected the rebound sent a cross through the box that Arnold sent home to give Navy the 2-0 advantage. Arnold would add another goal five minutes later in the 58th minute to bring the Navy lead to 3-0, beating Sowell to the left post.
Navy would go on to add goals in the 70th and 79th minutes to bring the count to the final score of 5-0.
Four players had shot on goal for the Keydets, as Seinfeld led the way with a pair from his attacking midfield position. Junior Jacob McIntyre and freshman Chase Barnett had a try on goal apiece.
The Keydets will next take the pitch Fri., Sept. 10 at 4 p.m. taking on Saint Francis (N.Y.), as they host the annual Dr. Jay Sculley Memorial Tournament from Patchin Field. Day one of the tournament also consists of a noon matchup between Liberty and Marshall. Admission is free, and live stats will be available via VMIKeydets.com.
