University of Massachusets Athletics
University of Massachusetts
VCU
UMass Plays VCU To 1-1 Tie, Snaps Skid
October 11, 2014 | Men's Soccer
Box Score |
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UMass vs VCU Box Score
AMHERST, Mass. - The Massachusetts men's soccer team played VCU to a 1-1 double overtime tie Saturday at Rudd Field, snapping a four-game losing streak.
The tie gave UMass (1-9-1, 0-1-1 Atlantic 10) its first point in the second weekend of league play. VCU (4-7-2, 1-0-1) moved its point total to four after coming from behind on Saturday.
The Minutemen struck first in the 18th minute on a transition following a blocked VCU shot attempt. Freshman Brandon Vazquez took the rebound and sprinted up the left flank where he did a give-and-go with senior Josh Schwartz near the left corner of the penalty area.
Vazquez sent a low cross into the middle of the field where senior Matt Keys booted his second score of the year past Pierre Gardan for the 1-0 lead at 17:26.
Both teams had strong scoring chances in the opening 10 minutes of the second half, only to see Garden and UMass' Ryan Buckingham `stone' the other side.
In the 50th minute, Jose Manel sent a pass in the middle of the box to Kharlton Belmar who fired a one-timer on goal, but Buckingham stopped the hard shot with his stomach.
Four minutes later, Keys had a pair of near-goals. The first was a header on a corner kick that was tipped just out of play. With a short play on the ensuing corner kick, Keys' one-timer on a cross from Mark Morris was stopped by Gardan and cleared away by the Rams.
VCU tied things up on a goal from Manel six minutes later at 59:07. Manel's goal came on a loose ball high in the box.
Both teams had moderate scoring opportunities throughout the remainder of the contest but both keepers and back lines were up to the task.
VCU held a 20-13 edge in shots and each squad was awarded 10 corner kicks.
Keys led all players with five shots in the game, including three on goal.
Buckingham made seven stops and Gardan had four. Each group had a team save as well.
UMass will return to action on Friday, Oct. 17, when it plays host to Dayton. Kickoff at Rudd Field is set for 2:30 p.m.
