LEXINGTON, Va. - Taylor Callahan scored off a free kick early in the second half for the only goal of the day, as the VMI Keydets defeated the UNCG Spartans, 1-0, in SoCon women's soccer action Sunday in Lexington, Va.

After a scoreless first half, in the 47th minute, VMI's Callahan drilled a free kick into the lower right hand corner of the net from 20 yards out for the lone score of the day. It was the the first goal in Callahan's two collegiate seasons, and in fact, was her first points as a Keydet as well.

With the victory, VMI moves to 4-6 and 1-0 in SoCon action. The win is VMI's first over a conference opponent besides The Citadel and Chattanooga since joining the SoCon prior to the 2014 season.

UNCG drops to 3-7-1 and 0-1 in conference play.

The first half was a defensive battle, as neither team mustered a shot for the first 11:18 of game action. The teams, in fact, combined for just four shots on goal in the first half. Three saves by VMI keeper Ceci Keppeler helped keep the match scoreless, and Callahan struck in the 47th minute to give the Keydets a lead they would not surrender.

UNCG (3-7-1) had a near miss in the 53rd minute, when a team save was recorded on a header attempt by Diarra Simmons. The Keydets (4-6) allowed just two more shots on goal the rest of the way, and Keppeler was able to complete the first full shutout of her career as VMI prevailed.

For the match, UNCG had a 16-8 edge in shots, but that was just a 6-4 edge in tries on goal.

VMI women's soccer will return to action Friday, when the Keydets continue SoCon play by hosting the Furman Paladins at 4 p.m.