October 1, 2008

BOX SCORE

RADFORD, Va. - The Longwood University men's soccer team (4-4-1) fell at Radford on Wednesday night, by the final score of 1-0. The Lancers had three different players with a game high four shots, including leading scorer Harvey Headley/Coventry, England (Stoke Park). Longwood returns home for its next contest, hosting Atlantic Soccer Conference opponent NJIT on Saturday, October 4 at 3 p.m., at the Athletics Complex.
   
The first half started off with the Lancers holding the majority of the possession, outshooting the Highlanders 14-6, while also having a 8-4 advantage in corners. Longwood nearly got on the board in the first two minutes, with a strike by freshman Kevin Chico/Harrisonburg (Eastern Mennonite) that sailed over the crossbar. Four minutes later Headley would almost put one in the back of the net, but instead the shot would be blocked.
   
In the 34th minute, a corner kick from Martin Vickerton/Derbyshire, England (Kirk Hallam Technical College) was deflected out to Trey Thornton/Richmond (Mills E. Godwin), who had a clean look from just inside the penalty box but headed the ball wide of the net.  Less than four minutes later, the Lancers had another opportunity when Thornton sent a pass from the right side to Brian Germain/McLean (Langley), whose shot from seven yards out was stopped by the Radford keeper.
   
The Lancers continued to push the pace in the first half, keeping the Highlanders on their toes. Despite the many chances, Longwood would find itself so close yet so far from finding its first goal of the game.
   
“This was one of those hard fought games, “ head coach Jon Atkinson said. “We had scoring chances but were unable to get good quality shots off. We deserved a result, however we need to be able to convert our chances. That's the bottom line.”
   
The second half would once again see the Lancers out work the Highlanders, outshooting them 9-7. Longwood would once again start the period off strong, getting a scoring opportunity in the 53rd minute off a corner kick taken by Germain. Germain's corner would find the foot of Vickerton, who would fire a shot at the Radford keeper.
   
In the 52nd minute, the Highlanders were awarded a penalty kick on a called handball in the box. Jeremy Delpino converted the kick for his team, giving Radford a 1-0 lead. The goal would go onto be the game winner.
   
Freshman keeper Joel Helmick/Springfield (W.T. Woodson) came up with four saves for the Lancers after facing 13 shots.