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FARMVILLE, Va. – In front of a large Longwood contingent in the eighth version of The Greatest Athletics March Ever (G.A.M.E. 8.0), the Lancers' men's soccer team and VMI opened the regular season with a 2-2 draw Friday night at the Athletics Complex.
 
Longwood came out flying, sparked by an early strike from Connor Rea less than two minutes into the game, and held a pair of leads, but two second-half goals from the Keydets helped the squad eke out a draw to open the 2017 season. In the fourth consecutive season that Longwood and VMI have opened the regular season, it marked the first non-Lancer victory against the Keydets.
 
"It was a lost opportunity tonight," said Longwood head coach Jon Atkinson. "We were able to get off to a good start and I thought we could've built upon that positive start, but, unfortunately, we took our foot off the gas and weren't able to get that insurance goal. Give VMI credit. They stuck around and took opportunities when they came about."
 
2016 NCAA assists leader Dan Campos nearly opened the 2017 season in similar fashion to that he closed the 2016 regular season with a golden goal off a free kick. However, his try from 23 yards out in the 109th minute hit off the right post and VMI was able to escape harm.
 
VMI's David Wright helped the Keydets overcome a pair of one goal deficits, including a game-tying header from the center of the box during the 85th minute off a cross from well out by Richard Quispe. The pair of strikes come as part of a breakthrough performance for the senior, as he came into the season with one goal during his four-year career.
 
"Some guys need to take a look inside to understand they need to perform at a higher level," Atkinson said. "If we all perform at a higher level than we wouldn't be sitting here with a sour taste in a draw; we're not happy with a point but we'll take it."
 
Rea, who scored three goals as a freshman, opened the scoring less than two minutes into the contest from 25 yards out after taking a feed from senior captain Marten Pajunurm. Rea was one of three players with a trio of shots in the game, as Longwood held a 23-10 shot advantage. He was joined by Max Poelker with a game-leading seven, four on target, and Dan Campos with three.
 
Pajunurm joined Rea on the scoring column with a career-best three-point night with a goal and assist, as he was able to score off a rebound in front in the 74th minute.
 
"We tried Marten on the left side tonight and that's where he got his goal and assist," Atkinson said. "Marten's a caliber player and a team captain and we expect  from him."
 
Lance Da Silva earned the start in goal for Longwood, making three saves against 10 shots against. Meanwhile, Jon Harrington made seven saves for VMI.
 
Five new Lancers – Josh Hanratty, Denzel Speed, Holden Fisher, Marcel Guzman and Justin Gates – made their official debut with Hanratty playing all 110 minutes from his holding midfield position, while Speed, Fisher, Guzman and Gates each came in off the bench.
 
Following the draw to begin the season, the Lancers will have a full week to prepare to take on Pitt Saturday, Sept. 1. The opening kick off is set for 7 p.m. from Pittsburgh, Pa., and will mark the first of four straight road games for the Lancers.
 
"I think we can learn a lot from this game," Atkinson said. "I think the guys need to take some time and reflect and take a look at their performances. We'll be sharper with a game under our belts. It's a tough stretch for these boys, but it's a great opportunity for the boys to play quality competition."
 
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