LEXINGTON, Va. – VMI Men's Soccer journeys down to Clinton, South Carolina, for a bout against Presbyterian on Sunday at Edens Field at Martin Stadium.
The young Keydets (1-1-1) erupted for six goals in their last match against Warren Wilson, with all scoring coming from freshmen. VMI's offense will go toe-to-toe with a top-defensive unit of the Blue Hose, who have already claimed a pair of shutouts this season.
Keys to the Keydets
Snapping Skids. With the home victory, the Keydets snapped a four-game home skid. Last weekend, the Keydets earned a result in their season-opening road match for the first time since 2022.
Stat Leaders. Rowen Choi and
Jack Yough lead the team with two goals apiece, ranking in the top 25 nationally, with Choi leading the program with five points, ranking 28th.
Sam Dowdy has dished out a team-leading two assists, which ranks 15th in D-I.
National Ranks. VMI ranks in the top 25 in five categories, including corner kicks per game, scoring offense, assists, goals, and points. The Keydets are in the top 50 in points per game, assists per game, and goal differential.
Dual Threats. Zack Murphy played both sides of the field against Saint Joseph's, recording two saves and one assist.
Jack Yough has also been productive, as the defender has a team-leading two goals.
Schedule Change. Due to scheduling conflicts, the VMI-Liberty match is now set for September 4 at Patchin Field.
Year 4. Head Coach
Nick Regan returns for his fourth season at the helm. Regan has collected 13 victories, ranking third all-time.
Scouting the Blue Hose
- Presbyterian is 1-1-1 entering the weekend.
- The Blue Hose tied against St. Thomas, a future Keydet opponent, defeated Mount Olive, 1-0, at home, then dropped a 3-0 matchup at Stetson on Thursday.
- Presbyterian is 5-9-2 when playing at home since 2023, going 2-5 last year.
- The Blue Hose has earned one goal, but has earned two clean sheets.
- Presbyterian is in the top 50 nationally in corner kicks per game and shutout percentage.
- Tim Baerwalde has been key between the posts, collected a pair of shutouts, the sixth most in the nation, and eight saves.
- Scoring the lone Blue Hose goal was Steven Dordova, who earned the score off a penalty kick.
- Presbyterian's roster includes three seniors, five juniors, 12 sophomores, and 14 freshmen.
- Head Coach Nick Finotti is in his third season at the helm after being announced as Presbyterian's third head coach in the D-I era in 2023.
Series History
- VMI is 1-8-2 against Presbyterian since 2007.
- First meeting was a 1-1 tie in 2007.
- The Keydets' lone victory came in 2010 with a 4-3 home win.
- Last season, the Blue Hose got the best of the Keydets in Clinton, South Carolina, 3-0.
For more information, visit VMIKeydets.com or follow us on social media at VMI Athletics.
