LEXINGTON, Va. - The Keydets led 2-0 with nearly 10 minutes remaining, but conceded two goals in just over five minutes of action to the Howard Bison, resulting in a 2-2 draw Wed., Sept. 28 at VMI's Patchin Field. Freshman Ricky Siewers scored his first career goal in the first half, while sophomore Aaron White scored his second goal of the season in the 80th minute for VMI.
After a back-and-forth first 31 minutes of action, VMI (1-8-1) pieced together an impressive offensive sequence, as junior Kyle Farmer sent a left-footed cross inside the 18-yard box. The cross was controlled by freshman Blake McCauley, who one touched a service to Siewers. The ensuing shot rang off the left post and into the back of the net, giving the Keydets a 1-0 lead heading into the half.
VMI played shorthanded without several starters, and were forced to use as many as six freshman on the pitch at once in the opening stanza. However, the Keydets outshot the Bison (1-6-2) 6-5, and generated four corners to Howard's pair.
VMI extended its lead to 2-0 in the 80th minute, as senior co-captain Stewart Wilkinson sent a through ball at the top of the 18, finding the streaking White, who beat the Howard keeper, Eric Hamilton inside the six to give the Keydets the seemingly safe 2-0 lead with 10:22 left in regulation.
Less than two minutes later, Howard cut the lead in half, as a failed clearance inside the VMI area resulted in a chip off the foot of Mario Martin for his first goal of the contest.
Martin struck again just over five minutes later, as he controlled a ball inside the 18 and volleyed it past VMI senior backstop Adrian Dominguez to knot the match at 2-2.
The match would remain scoreless through two overtime periods. However, VMI pressed early and often in the second overtime session, as junior Kip Zechman nearly ended the contest on a free-kick from 25-yards out that sailed narrowly high. Also, VMI had a chance with 4:31 remaining, as a back pass to the Bison keeper, Hamilton, was illegally picked up, resulting in an indirect free-kick from 10-yards out that was cleared to safety by the Howard back line.
Dominguez earned his first start in goal for VMI, and made four saves to Hamilton's three stops. Wilkinson led VMI with five shots while White had three. Martin had a match-high nine shots for Howard and was supported by four shots from teammate Rahman Alarape.
The Keydets return to Big South Conference action Sat., Oct. 1, traveling to Clinton, S.C. to take on the Presbyterian College Blue Hose. Kick-off is slated for 1 p.m.
