LEXINGTON, Va. – The Saint Peter's men's soccer team (2-3) handed VMI (1-4-1) its third straight loss in a tight, 2-1, victory at Patchin Field on Monday. The Peacocks picked up their first road win of the season in the process.
Julian Richens' Peacocks found themselves in a chippy game, especially down the stretch, as the referees handed out four yellow cards and a red to the Keydets, as well as two yellows to SPU players. The Peacocks managed to overcome the physical aspect of the game and hold onto the lead they built.
Gabe Rodriguez and
Tim Strele each put one in the back of the net to lead the Saint Peter's offense. Rodriguez broke the 0-0 tie after forcing a turnover just outside the VMI box and sending a shot past the goalkeeper. Later in the game, Strele pulled off an incredible bicycle kick to extend the Saint Peter's lead to 2-0. Strele's goal ended up being the difference maker as the Peacocks surrendered just one goal on a free kick in the 49th minute.
For the Peacocks,
Moritz Conrad totaled five saves on the day. Before giving up a score in the second half, Conrad had gone 167 minutes of game time without allowing a single goal. Saint Peter's will look to continue its momentum from the last two games when it takes on NJIT in the final game before conference play begins.
UP NEXT
The Peacocks close out non-conference play on the road against NJIT on Saturday, Sept. 13 at 7 p.m. ET.
NOTES
Saint Peter's is now 2-0-2 all-time vs. VMI with both wins coming on the road…Strele has scored a goal in three straight games…Rodriguez recorded his first collegiate career goal…the Peacocks outshot the Keydets 19-to-14.
