It was a perfect start to the season for the Longwood men’s soccer team, as they cruised to a 4-0 win over VMI on Aug. 26. Three Lancers marked their debuts with a goal, as the Longwood attack proved too much for the Keydets to handle in Lexington, Va.
Head coach Jon Atkinson’s 14th season started exactly how he wanted, as all four goals were scored by first-time goalscorers, including three newcomers.
"We couldn't have asked for a better day with keeping the clean sheet and getting a result on the road," said Atkinson on the official Longwood athletics website. "The lads prepared well and were determined throughout, so we're happy to get the season off and running."
Freshman midfielder Connor Rea opened the scoring after 21 minutes, slotting home through a crowded penalty box to give Longwood the lead. It was a deserved lead for the visitors, who outshot VMI 10-3 in the opening 45 minutes.
The second half was the more of the same, as the Lancers imposed their offensive authority almost immediately after halftime. Eoin O Donovan doubled the advantage in the 50th minute, as the sophomore midfielder unleashed a shot from outside the penalty box into the top left corner for a debut goal of his own.
Senior defender Evan Fowler made it three for Longwood in the 70th minute, for his first career collegiate goal. Freshman midfielder Max Poelker finished the scoring in the 82nd minute to match Rea and O Donovan’s debut goals, sneaking a long-range blast in off the post.
Longwood was absolutely dominant in the attacking end, controlling the run of play, and finishing with a total of 21 shots, including 11 on target. The Lancers were equally impressive defensively, allowing VMI just four shots, and zero on target.
"It was nice to get a balance on the scoresheet, which I feel is a key to this year's success," said Atkinson on the official Longwood athletics website. "Seeing our newcomers get on the scoreboard is an added bonus."
Atkinson will hope he continues to get goals from across the squad, having lost last season’s top scorer Willy Miezan to a season-ending injury in preseason. The Lancers next game is in Fairfax, Va. where they will face George Mason on Sept. 3.
