September 8, 2009

Box Score

FARMVILLE, Va. - Longwood University's men's soccer team defeated Radford University 1-0 on Tuesday night at the Athletics Complex in Farmville. Goalkeeper Joel Helmick/Springfield (W.T. Woodson) had three saves for the Lancers in his first shutout this season. Longwood returns to action on Friday, September 11, when it travels to Greensboro, North Carolina, to face Elon University in a neutral-site match at 5 p.m..

The game started with a lot of action as Radford had a direct free kick from 25 yards in the first minute of the match. The kick sailed high and both teams settled into a defensive rhythm. In the 18th minute, Radford's Mike Handlin took a shot that was saved by Helmick. Helmick punted the ball 80 yards down the field where a Radford defender attempted to pass the ball to the goalkeeper. The goalkeeper was already coming out of the box and the ball went over his head and into the net for the only goal of the match.

The Lancers were more aggressive in the second half, working their way in for four shots and earning four corner kicks.

“We ground out this win through hard work and effort and that is exactly what I asked these boys to do,” said Longwood head coach Jon Atkinson. “This sets us up for tough competition this weekend in Greensboro with games against Elon and UNC Greensboro.”

Radford out-shot Longwood 6-4. The Lancers did not attempt a shot in the first half. The teams were equal with four corner kick each.