BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. - Despite trailing only 1-0 at the half and with four shot attempts to Gardner-Webb's eight, the VMI men's soccer team dropped a 4-1 decision to the host school Saturday evening in Boiling Springs, North Carolina.

VMI's efforts were highlighted by a first career goal by junior Tyler Colgan, who took an assist from Alex Hartman and put the ball into the net to break a three-game scoreless streak. However, the Keydets were unable to recover from a hat trick by Gardner Webb's Ali Al-Gashamy, who netted one in the first half and two in the second to pace the Bulldogs.

Al-Gashamy scored just two minutes into the match after receing a chip assist from Alaiin Delgado and put it into the upper right corner for the score. The teams went scoreless the remainder of the half before Al-Gashamy tallied his second goal on a penalty kick five minutes into the second stanza.

Colgan scored moments later at the 55:55 mark. Although VMI managed six shots in the second half, GWU totaled 12 to continue its offensive pace as Magnus Moldjord put the game in doubt with a third Bulldog goal with just over 20 minutes remaining. Al-Gashamy scored his final goal minutes later for the game's final score.

Alex Hartman led VMI with two shot attempts in the game while a host of Keydets logged one shot apiece.Grant Austin and Sam Moffatt were credited with shots on goal that required a save from Bulldog keeper Matthew Swan.

VMI goalie Mason Worsham played a complete 90 minutes in the box and registered one save.

The Keydets return to Patchin Field next Saturday to open Southern Conference action against Furman. Kickoff is slated for a 4 p.m. start in Lexington.