Box Score

EMMITSBURG, Md. -- In a close non-conference game, the Virginia Military Institute men's soccer team suffered a difficult 1-0 loss at the hands of Mount St. Mary's University Friday night.

The Mount (1-1-0) benefitted from an unassisted goal by Mark Plaisance in the 23rd minute of action. Despite being down through most of the game, VMI (0-2-0) slowly built momentum as the game progressed. Freshman Kyle Forché put his two chances on cage, forcing Mountaineer keeper Peter Steve to make sprawling saves.

Forché led VMI's offense with his two shots while Ricky Siewers and Kip Zechman each took one attempt. The Mount's Zoncher Dennis led the game with six shots, but the Mountaineers leading scorer last season could not best either VMI keeper.

It was a chippy affair at Waldron Family Stadium, featuring five yellow cards, three of which were booked against VMI. The Mount was whistled for 15 fouls while VMI was charged with 13.

The Mount jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the 23rd minute after Plaisance put a shot past Kitchen, who made his first start in nearly a full calendar year, dating back to Sept. 18, 2011 at USC Upstate. Kitchen made one save in the opening stanza before relenting the cage to Alex Guerra, who saw his first career action for the Red and Gold.

The Keydets trailed in the first stanza in the shot column, taking three while Mount St. Mary's managed five. Two of VMI's three first-half shots were on goal. Forché had VMI's best chance in the 40th minute, taking a solid shot that required Steve to make a sprawling save to his right.

VMI opens its 2012 home slate next Friday as it hosts the Jay Sculley Memorial Tournament. Big South Conference foe Liberty University opens the tournament against Marshall University at 1 p.m., followed by the Keydets taking on George Washington University at 4 p.m. All games will be played at VMI's Patchin Field.