LEXINGTON, Va. – VMI Men's Soccer closes out its homestand on Wednesday against Radford at Patchin Field.
The Keydets (1-5-3) have had recent success against the Highlanders (2-3-2), earning a result in their last two meetings. VMI is eyeing its third result in four matches, while Radford is seeking its second result against a Southern Conference opponent.
Keys to the Keydets
Keydets Blanked by Bison. VMI was bested by Howard last weekend, despite posting more shots and shots on goal.
Keeping the Trend. The Keydets posted a result against the same D-I opponent (Radford) in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2013-14. If VMI earns a result against Radford, it'll be the first time the Keydets have earned a result against the same D-I team in three-straight seasons since 2012-14 (UNC Asheville).
In the Corner. VMI ranks first in the conference and 55th nationally with over five corner kicks per game. The Keydets' 49 corners are the most in the league and 28th in the country.
Goal Scorers. The Keydets have combined for 13 goals, which ranks in the top 50 in D-I.
Racking Minutes. Zack Murphy ranks 53rd nationally with 675 goalie minutes played. He sits fifth in program history with over 3,700 minutes played, and is just two full games shy of third.
Young Stat Leaders. All three goal leaders are freshmen:
Rowen Choi,
Jack Yough, and
Thimson Duolo. Joining the young squad with the second-most assists on the team is
Sam Dowdy. Duolo ranks second in the SoCon with 19 shots, third with 10 shots on goal, and sixth with three goals.
Life Saver. Zack Murphy ranks in the top 25 among DI goalies with 31 saves and 53rd with just under four saves per game. His saves per game mark is top of the league, with his total saves second best.
Scouting the Highlanders
- Radford is 2-3-2 entering the match, with one conference victory.
- The Highlanders are 0-2-1 on the road, and will begin a three-match road trip at VMI.
- Radford defeated Howard and Longwood, along with drawing against Liberty and ETSU.
- The Highlanders' RPI ranking is 129th.
- Radford ranks 29th with two assists per game and 44th with 14 assists.
- The Highlanders have posted 11 goals with 14 assists off 27 shots on goal.
- Kenshin Akimoto stands 39th nationally with a team-leading four goals and 45th with 10 points.
- Hiromasa Iwai ranks 22nd nationally with four assists and 32nd with over half an assist per game.
- Ben Miller has started all seven matches between the posts, racking up 28 saves with a 1.71 goals-against average. Miller ranks in the top 50 in saves and saves per game.
- Head Coach Chris Barrett enters his fifth season at the helm after serving as interim coach in late 2020.
Series History
- VMI is 6-24-3 against Radford, dating back to 1977.
- For the past two seasons, the Keydets have tallied a result against the Highlanders, with 2023 ending in a 1-0 win to end the D-I drought, and then in 2024 resulting in a 1-1 tie at Radford thanks to a goal in the final minute.
- Five of VMI's six victories have been at home.
For more information, visit VMIKeydets.com or follow us on social media at VMI Athletics.
