The Longwood Men’s Soccer team took on Virginia Military Institute (VMI) in Lexington, VA, this past Saturday, Aug. 30, with a satisfying 1-0 win over the Keydets.
Despite the well-contested match-up on Patchin Field, the first half resulted in a stalemate with both teams showing zero on the score board. Head Coach Jon Atkinson describes the halves as “complete opposites.”
“I think we struggled for a lot of rhythm and a lot of…kind of symmetry in around the field. Our passing was a little bit off, our movement was a little bit off. Pretty typical of a first game to be honest,” said Atkinson.
“We addressed a few things, adjusted the system at halftime to allow us to just breathe a bit easier on the field and create a little bit more natural wit, and it seemed to help. I think the guys responded well.”
The second half proved to be much more suspenseful. Sophomore goalkeeper, Carlos Canas did an exemplary job ensuring that the opponent’s attempts on goal were not reached. This was his third career shutout.
“He preserved that lead late in the second half, and Carlos has the ability to make them saves. He’s got great pedigree as a goalkeeper, great athleticism and his natural instinct for goal-tending is very good to see,” said Atkinson.
Shortly after the second half commenced, junior forward, Zach Crandall scored what eventually became the game-winning goal in the 60th minute of the game. Crandall, after sophomore midfield, Dan Campos sent in a cross, received the pass on his chest and tilted the ball toward the goal.
“We had some good ball work going on between me, him and one of the outside mids,” Crandall explains. “It was nice too because it was an easy goal…Campos made it pretty easy, we had a nice play set up.”
There were a combined total of 23 shots on goal; however, the Lancers played a solid offensive game with a 14-9 attempted shot advantage over the Keydets. In consequence, they made it out on top and got the win.
According to both Atkinson and Crandall, it was a triumphant win in regards to the weather conditions. The hot Saturday heat got to both teams.
“The conditions weren’t the easiest. It was hot, humid and sticky, so I think first-game-fatigue factors can kind of come into it as well,” said Atkinson.
“This is what is part of the extension of our pre-season is, to use these games for sharpness, for fitness, to develop relationships on the field. That will then take us further and deeper into the season.”
When asked about their up-coming, first home game and how to keep the momentum going, Crandall states, “I think that it’s going to be nice getting back in front of the home fans, just having those people watch us and cheering us on. I think that that little boost of energy will help us through[out] the game and we’ll be able to calm down and play well, and hopefully get another win.”
The Lancers will play their first home game against the Pittsburgh Panthers this Sunday, Sept. 7 at 11 a.m. at the Athletics Complex in Farmville.
