September 29, 2009

LATE GOAL STUNS VCU; RAMS FALL AT VIRGINIA, 1-0, IN DOUBLE OT
Box Score

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – For the second time in less than two weeks, the Virginia Commonwealth University men’s soccer team needed a pair of overtime periods to settle a match.  This time, however, the Rams came up on the losing end, falling 1-0 at 12th-ranked University of Virginia on Tuesday in the squad’s final non-conference match of the season. 

The teams battled to a scoreless tie as Virginia held a 9-6 advantage in shots at the end of regulation.  However, the Cavaliers offense reeled off eight consecutive shots, with three on goal, in the final two overtime periods, and finally got on the board with the game-winner in the 109th minute.

The Cavaliers were awarded a throw in with less than 60 seconds to go.  Greg Monico followed with a long toss into the box before Chris Agorsor corralled the pass, positioned himself in front of the net and fired a shot in the lower right corner past VCU goalkeeper Gabriel Rodriguez for the win.

The Rams struggled to keep the Virginia offense in check throughout the game but managed to keep the Cavaliers off the board.  Virginia held a 17-6 advantage in shots and a 14-2 margin in corners.

Junior Romario Blandon registered three of VCU’s six shots on the night, while sophomore Carlos Picado contributed a shot on goal.

Rodriguez made three saves in the net for the Rams.

The Black & Gold return to the pitch for a road match at Colonial Athletic Association foe Hofstra on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 7 p.m.