October 4, 2008

BOX SCORE

FARMVILLE, Va. - The Longwood University men's soccer team (5-4-1) opened Atlantic Soccer Conference play with an impressive 4-1 victory over visiting NJIT (1-8-1) on Saturday afternoon. The Lancers got things started in the 17th minute of action with an unassisted goal from freshman Kevin Chico/Harrisonburg (Eastern Mennonite), his third in four games. Longwood returns to the field on Tuesday, October 7 at Navy with the kickoff at 7 p.m.
   
“We've created chances all season and today we were able to put them away,” head coach Jon Atkinson said. “We took timely shots and were able to put some points on the board. We defended the ball stoutly and came out with a good conference win under our belts.”
   
The Lancers would increase their lead to two in the 23rd minute, courtesy of junior Brian Germain/McLean (Langley). Sophomore Harvey Headley/Coventry, England (Stoke Park) set up the play, sending a cross through the box to Germain, who was able to catch the NJIT keeper cheating and chip the ball over him. 
   
The second half continued to be dominated by the Lancers, who ended the game with 17 shots and eight corners. Freshman Chris Saul/Pasadena, Md. (Chesapeake) scored his first goal of the season in the 82nd minute, to increase his teams lead to 3-0. Saul blasted his shot past the Highlander's goal tender after collecting a wonderful pass from junior Martin Vickerton/Derbyshire, England (Kirk Hallam Technical College).
   
NJIT would add its lone goal of the game just seconds after the Lancers took a 3-0 lead, with an unassisted goal from Erik Magnusson. Longwood would bounce back quickly, scoring its game high fourth goal in the 84th minute, less than a minute after the Highlander goal. The Lancers final goal of the game came after the team earned a free kick at the top of the box. Vickerton promptly inserted the ball into the box, finding Headley at the near post where he headed the ball into the net.
   
Freshman goalkeeper Joel Helmick/Springfiled (W.T. Woodson) picked up the win after making five saves, while his defense came up with one team save.