LEXINGTON, Va. - The VMI men's soccer, returning home after a four-match road swing, was defeated 4-0 by the Longwood Lancers Weds, Sept. 22 at VMI's Patchin Field. Junior goalkeeper Taylor Feuerstein made 11 stops in goal in goal to match a career-high.
After a Lancer (3-3-1) goal in the 24th minute by Zack Mahon, VMI (0-8) nearly knotted the contest at 1-1, as junior midfielder Peyton Dekker fed sophomore Aaron White who beat a pair of Longwood defenders. The ensuing left-footed strike hit the crossbar, and represented the top offensive opportunity of the opening half for VMI, as Longwood carried a 1-0 lead into the half.
VMI opened the second half with an opportunity right from the start in the 55th minute, as junior Kip Zechman drew a foul 25 yards out dead center. The free-kick by classmate Matt Seinfeld sailed narrowly over the crossbar, as inches separated VMI from a knotted match.
The Keydets held a persistent Lancer offensive surge in the middle portion of the second half, but were pushed to their limits in the 75th minute. Lancer midfielder Vinnie Llana played a big part in that, as he fed Devin Pierce 10 yards out, who beat Feuerstein lower left to extend the lead to 2-0 with 15 minutes remaining.
The Lancers added insurance scores in the 81st and 83rd minutes, as Nick Surkamp gave the Lancers a 3-0 advantage. Llana's second assist on the afternoon resulted in the final goal of the match from Taylor Evans.
Joel Helmick and Paul Hegedus shared a shutout in goal for Longwood, combining to make four stops to Feuerstein's 11.
VMI returns to action on Sat., Sept. 24 as the Keydets will open up Big South Conference action against the UNC Asheville Bulldogs. The match, which will be broadcast on the Big South Network, is slated for a 4 p.m. start from Patchin Field.
For further information, follow @VMI_Soccer on Twitter.
