Buena Vista, VA - In an intense non-conference clash with the Wildcats from Randolph College, the Southern Virginia University men's soccer team closed their three game homestand with a 1-0 victory. With the win the Knights extend their undefeated streak to four games.
In the first half the Wildcats looked to take control of the play by striking several shots just wide of the Knights' cage. Southern Virginia caught a break in the 15th minute when a Randolph foul eventually led to a red card being issued. The man-advantage provided the Knights' offense a little more space to roam as they managed to create more scoring opportunities. Randolph, however, seemed to have extra gumption while playing a man down and were able to keep Southern Virginia outside of the attacking box for most of the first half. The Wildcats came inches away from taking the lead only to find the crossbar on a rising shot in the 43rd minute. Jackson Gorringe had a final opportunity to strike on a long range free-kick just seconds before halftime, but Randolph keeper Carter Kelly stood his ground to keep the game scoreless.
The pace of play ramped up in the second half as both teams felt pressure to create more offensive opportunities to break the stalemate. Southern Virginia keeper, Dallin Chappell, stood on his head once again by making several crucial saves and deflected away many dangerous crosses from the box. Finally, in the 72nd minute, Jackson Gorringe intercepted an outlet pass and rifled a shot from thirty yards out which found the back of the net to vault the Knights into the lead. It was Gorringe's third goal of the season, one that was eerily similar to his goal during a victory over Ferrum last week. Just minutes later, another red card towards Randolph put the Wildcats in an even bigger hole to climb out of. The Southern Virginia defense managed to shut the door the rest of the way and close out another win on their home turf. Dallin Chappell finished with two saves to record his second straight clean sheet and fourth of the season.
Next, the Knights will travel to Harrisonburg to face Eastern Mennonite, their last opponent before shifting focus to league play in the USA South. For the most up-to-date information and details on the team, visit knightathletics.com and follow @knightmsoccer on Instagram.
