Box Score
NEWARK, N.J. – Behind a pair of late goals in the final five
minutes by the New Jersey Institute of Technology, the Virginia Military
Institute men's soccer team suffered a 3-0 setback in the 2012 season opener.
Three different Highlanders scored in the game, but VMI
senior keeper Taylor Feuerstein turned aside four shots. The Keydets (0-1-0)
managed six shots in the game, putting four on cage. VMI midfielder Matt
Seinfeld notched a team-high three shots, putting all of his attempts on goal.
Jacob MacIntyre, David Rochow and Andrew Starnes logged one attempt each.
The Keydets fell behind early after NJIT's Jason Gonzalez
buried a shot on a pass from Franco Gamero in the 16th minute. The game
remained scoreless until the 86th minute as NJIT's Matthew Praino
scored his first of the year on an assist from Marko Drljic, who led the game
with three points after scoring a goal in the 89th minute.
Several VMI freshmen saw their first collegiate action in
the game, including Eric Friese, who made his first career start for the
Keydets. Four newcomers saw time off the bench, paced by Starnes' one shot.
The start of the game was delayed following NJIT's women's
soccer team competing on the same field prior to the men's action.
The Highlanders (1-0-0) led the game in shots with 11,
putting seven on cage. They also attempted 11 corner kicks, while the Keydets
managed just one, coming in the second half. In goal for NJIT, Lars
Maalen-Johansen played all 90 minutes, making four saves.
VMI will play its second game in a row on the road next Friday,
Aug. 31 as it travels to Emmitsburg, Md. to take on Northeast Conference foe
Mount St. Mary's. Game time is slated for 7 p.m. at Waldron Family Field.
