WEST POINT, N.Y. - Playing in its first game of the 2013 season, the Virginia Military Institute men's soccer team played a better second half, but could not undo the damage of a 2-0 halftime deficit against the United States Military Academy. The Black Knights took the victory 3-0 at Clinton Field Friday afternoon.
Army (1-0-0) gained a 2-0 lead in the first 30 minutes of the game as Nick Williams struck both goals. After the second goal, VMI came together as a unit and played a more cohesive game, allowing just four shots on goal over the final 45 minutes. Nick Baietti scored the lone goal of the second half.
The Black Knights out-shot VMI 15-4, including seven in the first half. Baietti took a game-high five attempts while Cody Guerry notched another four shots. The pair each took six shots on goal. Hunter Morgan was the only Keydet to register multiple shots, posting two attempts. Blake McCauley and Travis Borkey each tallied one shot, each putting a shot on goal.
VMI's Daniel Kitchen finished with five saves in the first outing of his senior season. Opposite Kitchen, Winston Boldt made two saves, one in each half. The Keydets earned three corner kicks, including two in the first half, while Army gained six on the day, splitting the total between halves.
Prior to the contest, head coach Richie Rose invited alumnus Andrew Marsh '03 to speak with the squad. After the game, the team was greeted by another alumnus, LTC Alex Devarona '93, who played soccer at the Institute under long-time head coach Stephen Ross '83.
The Black Knights jumped out to an early 2-0 lead on back-to-back unassisted goals from Williams. The forward took advantage of a sliding Kitchen, who came out of the goal to breakup the run. Williams chipped it over Kitchen for the goal. In the 30th minute, Williams struck again on a header following a throw in deep in the Keydets' defensive half.
The Black Knights held the advantage in shots in the first half, taking seven to VMI's two. Kitchen logged two saves, including a goal to keep it a two-goal game. The Richmond, Va. native made a sprawling dive to his left, halting an attempt from a speeding Black Knight.
McCauley and Morgan took the Keydets' lone shots in the first half, with McCauley's attempt on goal. The Keydets earned two corner kicks in the first half.
In the second half, the Black Knights notched one more goal as Baietti slide through the defense for an unassisted goal in the 55th minute.
Three cards were issued during the contest, all yellows as VMI's Aaron White and Dylan Griffin were booked. Army's Ethan Spivack was also given a yellow card after failing to give the proper space on a free kick.
The Keydets (0-1-0) open Big South Conference play on Tuesday night as they head to Buies Creek, N.C. for a 7 p.m. tilt with Campbell University. The Camels host VMI at Eakes Athletic Complex.
