September 24, 2008

BOX SCORE

RICHMOND, Va. - The Longwood University men's soccer team (4-3-1) pulled out a come-from-behind victory over Richmond (1-7) on Wednesday evening, rallying to take the game 2-1 in overtime. The Lancers game winning goal came in the 95th minute from freshman Kevin Chico/Harrisonburg (Eastern Mennonite), who scored his second goal of the season. Longwood returns to the field on Wednesday, October 1 at 7 p.m., hitting the road to take on Radford.
   
“On the whole we deserved the win,” said head coach Jon Atkinson. “We worked very hard and never gave up. We are finally coming together and we're getting the results that we deserve.”
   
Throughout the game the Lancers controlled possession, out-shooting the Spiders 18-6, placing eight of those shots on frame. In the first half alone, the Lancers ended the period with a 10-2 advantage. Despite being outshot, the Spiders managed to get on the board early, scoring in the ninth minute of action. The Lancers, however, continued to apply the pressure, though unlucky to not score one before the half.
   
The second half, much like the first, belong to the Lancers with the team coming out of the locker room fired up to even the game up. The moment would come just four minutes into the half, as junior Giovanni Peralta/Lorton (Robert E. Lee) found the back of the net. Peralta's goal came after the ball hung around the box finding its way to his foot, allowing the 5-10 midfielder to take a crack a goal. The goal was Peralta's first of the season.
   
“We played an excellent first half of soccer, but gave up a sloppy goal. We decided to change up the system in the second half and it paid off. We were able to get in two good goals and pull out a win. “
   
Both teams would play continue to play a high intensity game, but neither team would be able to close out the game in regulation.
   
It would not take the Lancers long into the sudden death period to close the door on the game, and claiming victory in a hard fought game. The goal would come off of Chico's foot just five minutes into overtime, after the Lancers earned a corner kick. After the ball was placed in the box, it would find its way to Chico who blasted the ball past the Richmond keeper from 25 yards out.
   
Sophomore goalkeeper Avery Makel/Nellysford (Nelson County) had a fairly quiet game, playing all 95 minutes for the Lancers only being forced to make one save.