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Game Summaries 2007
A Respectable End to a Respectable Season
Women Bow Out of Conference Tourney to No. 1 Seed Coastal Carolina, 1-0
Coastal’s Coach Rohan Naraine described it well, “ You have to give VMI credit because they came out and played us tough.”
And play tough they did. Tough defense and some occasional offensive spurts kept VMI in this game for 90 minutes. Although Coastal had the upper hand for a good part of the game, the Keydet defense wouldn't quit, keeping VMI within one goal. Offensively, the Keydets showed that they had the potential to knock one in. This one wasn't over until the final whistle blew.
We could mention a few individuals who had outstanding performances but this was more of a great group effort. A great performance by the entire team, battling the regular season champ to the wire. As they have done all season long, the Keydets proved that they can play with anyone in the conference.
A respectable showing in their first ever conference tourney. Another step forward at the end of
a "moving forward" year.
Men Close Out Regular Season with 4-1 Loss at Liberty
It wasn't the best game of the year for the Keydets, but it also wasn't the worst. At times, VMI's youthfulness showed against a talented and experienced opponent (Liberty honored 11 seniors before the game). But the Keydets did have some moments and presented themselves with several good scoring opportunities. These efforts finally paid off in the final minute as Jose Andueza lofted a pass into the box that Brian Harding headed down for David Hill to knock into the goal. Prior to this, Liberty had not allowed a goal in any of its home games this season, (including Winthrop and Radford).
Liberty looked really good! They certainly proved that they deserve their ninth consecutive week in the NSCAA South Atlantic Region Top 10 Poll. Many will consider Liberty to be the favorite for the upcoming conference tournament.
Final seeding for the tourney won't be determined until after the Radford-Coastal game Friday night, but VMI has wrapped up the No. 5 Seed with a 2-3-1 record.
Luxhoj Heads Men Past Highpoint 2-0 on Senoir Day
Final home game honors Jeremy Clement, Wythe Horbal, Steve Phillips, and John Sollock.
Barret Luxhoj scored both goals for the Keydets, heading in a pair of Chris Curtis feeds from free kicks.
Brian Sowell sets season record for shutouts.
Coach Freakley gives keeper John Sollock some playing time up front and Sollock responds with a shot on goal.
Keydets even their conference record at 2-2-1.
Women Close Out Regular Season with 3-1 Loss at Charleston Southern
Jessica Robbins scores for VMI, knocking in a Chrissy Beach corner kick.
Keydets make their first trip to the conference tournament, playing Coastal Carolina at 2PM on Thursday in Chrleston , SC.
Women's Big South Tournament Bracket All Games will have Live Video Feed vis Big South's "The Edge"
Longwood 1 - Men 0
Women's Team Celebrates Senior Day
A 5-0 defeat to UNC-Ashville doen't dampen the celebration of First Classmen Alexa Bernas' and Erin Squires' commitment and contributions to the Program. Their Rat year, these women persevered through a winless season, but their hard work and dedication have led the VMI Women's Soccer Program to numerous highs and a respectable level in the tough Big South Conference. It's hard to imagine where this Program would be had these two women not made the decision to accept the VMI Challenge four years ago.
We wish them nothing but the best for the future as their soccer careers and Cadetships draw to a close.
Erin and Alexa with Coach Bryan
Williams
Men Get Third Tie of the Year vs. Presbyterian 1-1
Wythe Horbal (the man who Coach Greek says "should be kicking field goals in the NFL") knocked in the Keydets goal with a nice assist from Chris Curtis.
With the goal, Wythe moves into a tie with Tony Nweke for team scoring lead:
Name
Goals Assists
Points Class
------------------------------------------------------------------
10 HORBAL,
Wythe
4
0
8 2nd
9 NWEKE,
Tony
4
0
8 3rd
14 MORGAN,
Zach
2
3
7 Rat
23 HILL,
David 1
2
4
Rat
16 CURTIS,
Chris
1
2
4 Rat
24 HARDING,
Brian
1
1
3 Rat
18 ANDUEZA,
Jose
1
0
2 2nd
5 SUTTENFIELD,
Tyler
1
0
2 3rd
22 SISCO,
John
0
1
1 Rat
20 ANDERSON,
Stephen
0
1
1 2nd
19 LANDRY,
Sonny
0
1
1 Rat
source: vmikeydets.com
One Big Step Forward: Women Win at Winthrop 2-1
Chrissy Beach and Erin Squires score for the Keydets (both unassisted).
Coach Williams sounds quite pleased with the first conference win of the season:
"The win last night was an enormous accomplishment against a
very good team and Big South Conference opponent.
This team has fought all season long and has played some
tremendous matches. To be fair we have also struggled due to numbers and our
technical and tactical choices on the field. But last night saw VMI Women’s
Soccer play one of its finest matches and certainly the best Conference game in
our short history.
I
am so proud and happy for this team right now. We still have two regular season
matches to play and a conference tournament to attend for the first time ever,
but last night proved something that I have known about this team since the
start back in August- “We are a quality program and this team while underrated
by our conference and regional opponents has the ability to play some fantastic
soccer and is dangerous.”
Last night against
But last night was an entire team effort. From
Everyone gave all that they had. The backline played
another exceptional match Celine Ziobro and Audrey Falconi controlled the center
of the field, while Alexi Staton and Jen Ball both had the match of their
careers. At midfield we did something we have not done all season, really since
Navy, and that was to control the center of the field for lengthy periods of
time.
Megan Strand, Jessica Robbins,
We
get after it again on Sunday with our last home game, Senior Game and another
Conference opponent UNCA.
The game is now at 3:00."
Men Topped by Radford 3-2 in Double OT
Kedets rally in second half to overcome a 2-0 deficit getting both goals from Zach Morgan, first on a penalty kick and second with an assist from Davisd Hill.
Radford scores game winner with only one and half minutes to go.
Two Steps Forward, One Step Back: Presbyterian 3 - Women 0
Megan Strand scores for the Keydets with assists from Chrissy Beach and A.J. Baker.
Improvement Continues as Women Tie Longwood 1-1
Coach Williams shuffled the lineup a little, moving Chrissy Beach up to forward and Jessica Robbins back to midfield. The strategy paid off as the offense continually applied pressure on the goal.
Jessica Robbins scored the Keydets goal on a penalty kick.
Carolyn Kenaley did well in her first start of the year, filling in for Alexa Bernas who sat out with a bum ankle.
Kat Underwood had a great performance playing in goal for the second half and overtime periods.
Wofford 3 - Men 0
Women Look Impressive in 2-0 Loss to High Point
It's hard to leave the field feeling good after a 2-0 loss, but the Women's team certainly wasn't hanging their heads down after battling hard against High Point. While High Point took an early 1-0 lead, the Keydets fought hard and gave the visitors one heck of a match. Playing one of their best games of the year, VMI kept up the pressure the entire macth and High Point did not rest easy until the final closing minutes of the game.
Angela Redmond played the entire game in goal, recording 12 saves.
Video: Movin the Ball Up the Field
VMI - High Point Photo Page (New Photos added 10/20)
The Best Game Ever? on Patchin Field Ends Scoreless
VMI Ties Perennial Conference Powerhouse Winthrop
Nobody likes a tie, but you can bet the Winthop Eagles left Patchin Field feeling down while the VMI Keydets left the field with their heads held high after the two teams battled to a scoreless tie after 110 minutes of non-stop action. From a technical standpoint, this may very well be the best game ever played on Patchin Field. Their may have been bigger wins, and their have certainly been games that saw the same, if not greater intensity; but the overall level of play put forth by both teams on this day created a match that rivals all others with regards to excitement and the tactical level of play.
Both teams had numerous scoring opportunities, but the keepers had their minds set on keeping this one scoreless, and they succeeded. Brian Sowell pulled off what is becoming routine, another great game with several tremendous saves, including thwarting a Winthrop penalty kick early in the first half. He and the defense earned the fourth shutout of the year, tieing a school record.
Offensively, the Keydets were equally impressive. Calm composure and extra aggression when needed gave Keydet fans plenty to cheer about.
In the end, the 0-0 tie was a fitting end for an evenly matched game that neither team deserved to lose. VMI served notice that they are a team to be reckoned with in the conference, and you can bet they will not be taken lightly in the future.
Video: Close Call on a Corner Kick
VMI - Winthrop Photo Page (New Photos add 10/20)
Women Fall to Radford 4-1
Keydets had trouble getting all cylinders to fire in the first half while Radford used some very well executed plays followed by excellent shots to take a 3-0 lead into halftime. Second half was much more pleasant for VMI fans as things started to click.
Pictures speak louder than words.
First Half Video Another First Half Video
Second Half Video Second Half Goal
Virginia Tech 8 - Men 0
Liberty Tops Women 2-0
Men Top UNC-A 2-0 for First Conference Win
Rat Chris Curtis brings out the celebration scoring his first collegiate goal, knocking home the game winner in the 85th minute; assist to Stephen Anderson.
Jose Andueza adds another goal tapping in a deflected Zach Morgan Shot.
Defense gets it's third shutout, anchored by Brian Sowell with nine saves.
Men Stumble at Washington and Lee : 3-0
The radio announcer from W&L said VMI looked "sluggish".
Offense Comes to Life as Women Defeat Southern Virginia 9-0
It's easiest to just put the scorers in a table.
|
Goals |
Assists | |
|
Jessica Robbins |
3 |
2 |
|
Chrissy Beach |
3 |
0 |
|
A.J. Baker |
1 |
2 |
|
Alexa Bernas |
1 |
1 |
|
Audry Falconi |
1 |
1 |
Defense gets another shut out.
Kathleen Underwood returns from injury to see action for the first time this year, playing the second half in goal.
VMI - Southern Virginia Photo Page
Coastal Carolina Takes a Double Shot
Galliant efforts from both the men and women come up short as the women are defeated 2-0 at home while the men fell 1-0 at Coastal.
Former Head Men's Coach Stephen Ross made his debut as commentator for the Live Video Feed of the Women's game and he did a superb job.
Goalkeeper Brian Sowell has moved up to second in the nation for saves per game.
Women Hang Tough, Bow to Navy 2-1
VMI started off quick in the fourth minute with a goal from Alexa Bernas off a keeper deflection of a Megan Strand shot. Navy countered with goals in the 23rd and 64th minutes.
Despite the loss, Keydets earn a lot of pride by playing tight with one of last year's NCAA Tourney second round participants.
ROAD TRIP!!! Keydets Stop in Pennsylvania to Pick Up Another Win
Men Defeat Philadelphia University 1-0
Tony Nweke nets the game winner.
Defense records it's second straight shutout.
Record now stands at 4-2-1.
Appalachian State Defeats Women 3-0
Coach Williams closing statement at
VMIKeydets.com: "... I was very pleased with the play of
our players, but I know we can do better."
Men Take First Game of Northern Road Trip, Defeating Manhattan 1-0
We caught the second half of the game via live video, and saw an action packed game with both teams moving the ball back forth and all over the field. The action truly went from end line to end line the entire half. It's hard to believe only one goal was scored, coming from the foot of Wythe Horbal on a penalty kick.
The camera was a long ways from VMI's defensive goal so it was hard to see who was making the plays, but it was easy to see big Brian Sowell when he leaped for a few great saves, securing his first collegiate shutout.
Chalk up another win for VMI at historic Gaelic Park.
Team is above .500 for the first time since October 26, 2005.
Defense Stays Hot as Women Tie Delaware State 0-0
Splitting halves in goal again, Angela Redmond lowers her Goals Against Average to 0.875 while Heidi Beemer gets hers down to 1.074.
The entire defense now boasts a 0.969 GA average. That has got to be a record for this far into the season.
Men Get Second Win Over South Carolina Upstate 2-1
Brian Harding scores the game winner with an assist from Hill.
Wythe Horbal opened the scoring for VMI with an assist from Harding.
University of Richmond Tops Women 2-0
The University of Richmond Spiders used a very well disciplined attack to outscore the Keydets 2-0. Despite allowing two goals, the defense played another tremendous game. Don't let the stats fool you. Play on the field was much more even. Gotta give a lot of credit to U of R's defense though; they did a heck of a job of closing the door whenever VMI got close to the goal.
U of R's coach Peter Albright summed it up well: "I give a lot of credit to VMI," said Albright. "They are well coached, well organized, and they battled hard."
The Missing Rat:
We missed her when we highlighted the Rats earlier in the season, but we finally got a photo of #8 - Carolyn Kenaley
VMI - University of Richmond Photo Page (New Photos added 9/19)
Women Come Up Short 1-0 Again, This Time at Campbell
Sorry, we didn't see the game. Apparently the Cambell video feed didn't want to work, at least not on our computer. While following the game via Live Stats, we did watch a replay of Campbell Men's team playing Liberty. Cambell won that one 1-0 also.
From the live stats (shots and shots on goal), it looked like a very even game. Campbell sure did substitute a lot. In the last twenty five minutes, it seemed like the only thing happening on the field was fouls and yellow cards, with an occassional offsides. Sorry we don't have more to report.
Keeper Angela Redmond played the first half. In her last four halves played, she has not allowed a goal while recording eleven saves.
Men Tie Howard 1-1
Nobody likes a tie, especially when you get off ten shots in overtime, but at least VMI can take solace in the fact that the result was improvement from last years 3-1 loss.
Tony Nweke scores for the Keydets with an assist from Rat Zach Morgan.
See new comments from Coach Freakley under "Coaches Corner".
Women Top South Carolina State 6-0
Win follows 1-0 loss to Wofford on long South Carolina road trip. Record improves to 3-1, best start in program history.
Alexa Brenas gets two goals and an assist. Megan Strand, Erin Squires, A.J. Baker and Celine Ziobro get one goal each.
Assists go to Bernas, Squires, Chrissy Beach and Jessica Robbins.
Angela Redmond gets the shutout in her first complete game in goal.
Defense has now allowed only one goal in the past three games.
Men Earn First Victory of the Year Over Gardner-Webb 4-2
First win of the season comes against last season’s Atlantic Sun Conference Champion and NCAA 2nd Round Participant.
Gardner-Webb showed their championship form in the first half, maintaining a fair edge in control of the ball, outshooting the Keydets 15 to 3, and leading 1-0 for a good part of the half. But gutsy defense and some good saves from Rat keeper Brian Sowell kept the Keydets in the game.
The Keydets took momentum into halftime after some fancy footwork from Wythe Horbal faked out a defender and gave him a clear shot at goal which he knocked past the G-W keeper a little before halftime.
Gardner-Webb came out in the second half and put in their 2nd goal in just 17 seconds, but the Keydets were not fazed. They came to life and took the upper hand in a very exciting and evenly matched second half.
Rat David Hill (23) tied it up for VMI with his first collegiate goal, blasting a volley that beat both the keeper and the video cameraman.
Tony Nweke put VMI on top with this well placed 1 on 1 shot after a breakaway. He also put in the insurance goal on a penalty kick after being taken down in the box by the keeper, who had no choice but to foul as Tony was getting around him way out in the box.
Defense did another great job in the second half, particularly in transitioning the ball up to the offense. Sowell made several fantastic saves to keep the Keydets on top.
Secondclassmen Stephen Anderson and Barret Luxhoj made their season debut and as co-captain John Sollock said in his post game interview, it was nice to have their leadership on the field.
Hats off to announcer Joel Balthaser and the entire broadcast crew for quality coverage of the first ever home game video broadcast over “The Edge”. Mark your calendars for upcoming broadcasts: September 29th -Women vs. Coastal Carolina and October 9th -Men vs. Virginia Tech.
Women Thump Citadel (1-0) for Second Year in a Row
Alexi Staton gets her first collegiate goal. Assist from Jessica Robbins.
Defense anchored by Angela Redmond and Heidi Beemer in goal (split halves again) shuts out Bulldogs for second year in a row.
Shots on Goal: VMI 10 - Citadel 1
Men Drop a Pair in Appalachian Classic
Georgia Southern 2 - VMI 0
Appalachian State 4- VMI 1
Despite two losses, coach Freakley seemed pleased with the young team's performance. (Started 7 Rats both games.)
Defender Tyler Suttenfield scores his first career goal vs. App State.
Will Quarles, Brian Harding, Tyler Suttenfield named to All Tournament Team.
VMI-Georgia Southern Photo Page
Women Open Season with 7-4 Win Over Howard
A.J. Baker gets a hat trick in her first collegiate game. Alexa Bernas gets two goals. Erin Squires and Megan Strand round out the scoring for the Keydets.
261 Photos (yes 261) of USC Aiken Scrimmage at MBC-Photography.com
Men's Scrimmage: University of Richmond 3 - VMI 1
Plenty of Rats got plenty of playing time. VMI youthfulness showed as UR controlled the first half, outscoring the Keydets 3-0. VMI's attack took much better form in the second half with quite a few scoring threats. After scoring one goal, VMI was continuing to pressure UR when game was called with ten minutes remaining due to lightning in the area.
Rat John Sisco jogs off after scoring VMI's
goal.
VMI - George Washington Scrimmage( Aug 27th) Photo Page
Women's Scrimmage: VMI 4 - USC Aiken 2
Keydets played quite well for an early season scrimmage. As
you would expect, there was some room for improvement, but Coach Williams seemed
to be pleased with the performance. Defense looked real good, especially in the
transition game. With Kat Underwood still ailing, two rat goal keepers, Angela
Redmond and Heidi Beemer split time in goal. Both played extremely
well. 
RATS:
0 -Angela Redmond
1 -Heidi Beemer
6 -Jeannette Benson
9 -A.J. Baker
17 -Jennifer Ball
19 -Katherine Hindley
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