Buena Vista, VA - After two weekends of competition on the road, the Southern Virginia University men's soccer team came out victorious in their much anticipated home opener against Ferrum, defeating the Panthers by a score of 3-2.

Quickly after opening kick-off, the Knights tilted the play towards the Panthers cage. Freshman Landon Stock wasted no time in potting the game's first goal by heading home a beautiful cross from Porter Whitlock. It's already the former rookie of the week's fourth goal in four games this season which provided the Knights with the early momentum. However, the Panthers pushed back midway through the first half, knotting the score at one from a well-placed free kick by Payton Rausch. Despite the goal, Southern Virginia would go right back on the attack, sending a flurry of crosses into the box. Eventually, a loose ball from twenty yards out found the foot of Jackson Gorringe who sliced home a wicked shot through traffic to retake the lead. It's Gorringe's second goal in as many games as the Knights' offense continues to roll.

Towards the end of the first half the intensity and physicality had increased significantly and would carry over into the second. Goalkeeper Dallin Chappell, who was coming off a career-high 11 saves against Piedmont, was relied on heavily and turned away several point blank shots. Ferrum's persistence would eventually pay off as they tied the score at two in the 67th minute. After the goal the Panthers seemed to take control of the game, but a Ferrum penalty in the middle of the field gave the Knights an opportunity to strike back. In the 79th minute, Ace Flores launched a set piece from his own side of center field to find a backpedaling Ammon Lewis who sent a header over the keeper and into the net. Lewis' tally ignited the home crowd who were almost treated to another goal from Landon Stock shortly after. Ammon Lewis had deflected another cross to find Stock moving through the box unmarked and managed to one-touch a shot into the goal. However, he was deemed offside and the goal was wiped out.

The Knights ultimately did not need the goal and played strong defense in the final ten minutes to close out their fourth victory of the season and begin their home schedule on a high note. It was also the program's first win over Ferrum, who will become a Division ll member of the NCAA next season, since 2015. Dallin Chappell made four important saves in the win and Zach Bartholomew, Jackson Erb and the Southern Virginia defense was stout once again.

Next, the Knights will play the second of a three game homestand when they host Gettysburg College on Saturday, September 14th at 2:00 PM.

For the most up-to-date information and details on the team, visit knightathletics.com and follow @knightmsoccer on Instagram.