RADFORD, Va. — Kenshin Akimoto scored two goals and assisted on another and Ben Miller made four saves for a shutout as Radford defeated the Longwood men's soccer team, 3-0, to open Big South play Saturday.

Akimoto scored nine minutes apart in the second half to put the match out of reach for the Highlanders, who improved to 2-3-2 overall and 1-0-0 in the league with the win.

Radford carried a 1-0 lead into halftime after an eventful first half saw two weather delays due lightning in the area that added over an hour of actual time to the proceedings.

Just before the first stoppage, Longwood transfer Jayce Pagano converted a header for a goal on a corner kick with 12:50 remaining on the clock. The goal, though, was taken off the scoreboard as goalkeeper Max Hinke was fouled on the play.

The teams played just fewer two minutes of match action after returning from the first delay before a second lightning strike forced another stoppage. 

It seemed the half would end scoreless until Hiromasa Iwai charged to the end line, laid the ball off to Akimoto, who then found Carter McClain for a goal and 1-0 lead with one minute left in the period.

Radford doubled the lead in the 61st minute as Akimoto finished off a set piece from 25 yards out, knocking home a bouncing ball in the box. Fukai Imamura and Iwai assisted on the play.

Akimoto put the finishing touches on the win, tucking a diving header inside the post after nearside service from Imamura in the 70th minute.

Jose Coutinho tallied two shots on goal for Longwood (1-4-2, 0-1-0) in the loss. Jesus Macaya and Brando Bedolla had the other for Lancers.

Hinke made two saves in the Longwood goal.

The Lancers return home Tuesday to face Elon in non-conference action at Longwood Athletics Complex on ESPN+.