October 27, 2009

RAMS CAN’T HANG ON IN OVERTIME, FALL AT OLD DOMINION 2-1
Box Score

RICHMOND, Va. – A season-high three-game win streak looked promising for the Virginia Commonwealth University men’s soccer team Tuesday as the Rams held a 1-0 advantage entering the final seconds of regulation.

However, the unlucky theme of the 2009 season appeared once again as Old Dominion (9-4-2, 4-3-2 in CAA) scored with four seconds remaining to force overtime.  The Monarchs used the momentum to outlast VCU, 2-1, in the extra frame.

Six of the Rams’ last seven losses have been decided by a single goal with three overtime defeats.

VCU (5-8-2, 2-6-1 in CAA) scored early for the second straight game as the Rams got on the board in the ninth minute.  James Neighbour found Romario Blandon with a pass from the top of the box.  Blandon followed with a cross to a cutting Carlos Picado, who sent a header to the far post to give VCU a 1-0 lead.

The Rams would hold their one-goal advantage until the 89th minute when Old Dominion’s Yannick Smith found Chris Harmon with a cross from the right side with four seconds remaining to tie score at 1-1.

It didn’t take long for the Monarchs to end the match in overtime.  VCU’s Andres Torres was called for a foul in the box in the 95th minute, setting up the game-winning penalty kick for Old Dominion’s Shane Howard.

Rams’ goalkeeper Gabriel Rodriguez tied a career-high with seven saves.  Old Dominion held a 14-10 advantage in shots and a 6-1 margin in corners.

VCU returns to action on Saturday at 7 p.m., against Delaware in its final home match of the season.