Video :: Longwood University Men's Soccer 2013 Preview

Head Coach Jon Atkinson takes a look at the upcoming season, who to watch, and why he's excited about the team's second year in Big South Conference competition!

Lancers Women's Soccer Announce 2013 Schedule

FARMVILLE, Va. -- Longwood University 20th-year women’s soccer head coach Todd Dyer ‘93 has announced his upcoming 2013 Schedule that features six Big South Conference home matches among the 11 league contests, as well as a visit to the Athletics Complex in Farmville by in-state opponent James Madison University.  The Lancers finished 2012 with an overall record of 13-6-2, including 8-2-1 in its first season as members of the Big South, and were 8-1-1 at home where the program is 48-15-3 since beginning competition at the facility in 2006.  Longwood is 41-14-2 at the Athletics Complex since attaining its NCAA Division I certification and eligibility for 2007.  The Lancers will play a preseason exhibition match at home against Appalachian State University on Saturday, August 17 at 1 p.m.  The regular season opener is on the road at North Carolina State University of the Atlantic Coast Conference on Sunday, August 25 at 7 p.m. in Raleigh, North Carolina.
   
“This is by far the most challenging schedule we've ever faced and that's exactly the way we want it,” said Dyer.  “For our program to continue moving forward, it is an absolute must that we keep raising the bar as it relates to the level of competition we measure ourselves against.  We've done that with this schedule and we all embrace this opportunity and are eager to get to work.”

Longwood junior Pardue named to NSCAA All-Southeast Region Third Team

Junior Kelsey Pardue

FARMVILLE, Va. – Longwood University junior Kelsey Pardue|Henrico (Hermitage) has been selected to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) 2012 All-Southeast Region Third Team.  The midfielder started all 21 matches and led the Lancers in goals (7), assists (6), points (20) and game-winning goals (5).  She ranked 17th nationally in game-winning goals (5) and 144th in assists (6), while among the Big South Conference leaders in both categories, as well, including first in game-winning goals.  Pardue was an All-Big South First Team honoree this fall, and ranks fourth in career assists (19) and seventh in points (51).  She is the Lancers’ first NSCAA Division I All-Region choice since the program became DI-eligible in 2007.
    
“Kelsey is a special player and deserves this type of recognition with the performance she had this past fall season,” said 19th-year head coach Todd Dyer '93.  “She'd also be the first to give credit to her teammates for their hard work and support, which has enabled her to have so much individual success.  An added bonus is that she's still capable of so much more as she heads into her senior year and I know she's eager to lead this team.”
    
Longwood finished 2012 with a final record of 13-6-2, including 8-2-1 in its first season of Big South competition, tying for second place during the regular season and advancing to the conference tournament semifinals.  The Lancers posted their highest win total as a Division I program while enjoying their finest season since 2002 (15-3-1), also equaling the sixth-highest win total in the 19-year history of the program.

Longwood Men Lose 1-0 to American

LONGWOOD LOSES 1-0 IN FINAL MINUTES AT AMERICAN

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Longwood University men’s soccer team conceded a late goal to drop a 1-0 decision at American University (7-5-2) of the Patriot league on Wednesday afternoon. Senior Devin Pierce|Virginia Beach (Ocean Lakes) and sophomore Taylor Evans|South Riding (Freedom) led the Lancers (3-10-3) with two shots apiece in the outing. Longwood returns to action when its hosts the United States Naval Academy for Senior Night on Tuesday, October 23 at 7 p.m.

“This was a tight game in every sense of the word, only separated by a quality free kick late in the game,” said head coach Jon Atkinson. “While I don’t think we deserved all three points, I think a draw would have been a fair result. Overall, there are many, many positives I can see from this young team and they have been improving with every game. We had seven starting freshman out there today and none of them looked out of place, which bodes well for the future of Longwood men’s soccer.”

Four other Lancers also registered a shot in the match. Freshmen Sam Yardley|Fairfax Station (Robinson) and Will Lambert|Charlottesville (Monticello) put one shot on goal each, while sophomores Jonathan Kukapa|Leesburg (Clarksburg Md.) and Peter Sullivan|Herndon (Herndon) both notched a shot, as well. Freshman goalkeeper Seth Erdman|Hummelstown (Lower Dauphin) made his first collegiate start, tallying a season-high five saves in his first ever complete-game performance.

The squads battled for possession in the first half of the match, with neither side able to find the back of the net. The Lancers had an opportunity to get on the board when Pierce broke down the right side of the field and sent a well-placed cross to Kukapa for the tap in, but an Eagles’ defender beat him to the ball for the clear, extinguishing the chance and sending the teams into halftime knotted at 0-0.

Coming out of the break, the stalemate continued, with both teams fighting for the upper hand in the evenly-matched contest. The Lancers tried to pull ahead in the midst of the half, as Pierce set up Lambert for the one-timer, but the shot was well-saved by the American goalkeeper.

The deciding goal came in the 85^th minute of play when the Eagles were awarded a free kick following a Longwood foul. Charlie Hunter lined up to take the shot for American, sending the ball hard towards the post before it bounced in for the game-winner.

American outshot Longwood, 13-8, in the match and took a slight, 5-4 edge in corner kicks. Wednesday’s contest marked the first meeting ever between the Lancers and the Eagles in the sport of men’s soccer. 

Longwood Women Shutout Campbell for Third Straigh Victory

BUIES CREEK, N.C. -- Longwood University won its third-straight Big South Conference women’s soccer match on Thursday night, taking a 1-0 shutout victory at Campbell University in Buies Creek, North Carolina.  Freshman Olivia Colella|Herndon (Chantilly) scored what proved to be the game-winning goal in the 16th minute for the Lancers (11-4, 6-1 Big South) against the host Fighting Camels (9-4-1, 4-3 Big South).  Senior Lindsey Ottavio|Fairfax (W.T. Woodson) had the assist on the lone goal, and senior keeper Kyra Byron|Richmond (Mills E. Godwin) gained the shutout in front of the net.  Longwood will play again on Saturday evening, October 13, on the road at Big South opponent High Point University in North Carolina at 5 p.m.

“Tactically, Campbell showed us a few things we hadn’t seen thus far in the season,” said 19th-year head coach Todd Dyer ‘93.  “We adapted and showed patience when we had to.  Offensively, we threatened by dribbling at defenders and we got the breakthrough goal in the first half, and that was enough on the day with a hard earned shutout on the road.

“Now we have another challenge to face in a very strong High Point program this Saturday”

Longwood jumped ahead early when Colella scored her first collegiate goal at 15:22, finishing a well-played cross from Ottavio into the back of net.  The Lancers maintained the 1-0 advantage at the intermission, and made it stand for the remainder of the contest as Byron posted her sixth shutout this season.

Longwood had a 13-6 advantage in shots, including 7-2 in attempts on goal, and it was 3-0 on corner kicks.  Colella and junior Kelsey Pardue|Henrico (Hermitage) each had four shots, two on goal, while Byron played the duration in front for the Lancers with two saves en route to the team’s seventh shutout this season, and the 13th shutout of her career to rank in a tie for fourth all-time.

Caitlin Schneider had three shots, one on goal, for Campbell, while Ryann Torrero played the first 25:14 in goal for the Fighting Camels with three saves and one goal allowed, and Alexis Connors played the final 64:46 with three saves.

Longwood and Campbell were playing for the eighth time in the sport of women’s soccer, and the Fighting Camels still lead the series, 4-3-1.

Longwood equaled its highest win total since 2006 (11-5-3), and continues to enjoy its finest season since 2002 (15-3-1).

Longwood Women Shutout Gardner-Webb, 2-0

LONGWOOD DEFEATS BIG SOUTH OPPONENT GARDNER-WEBB 2-0

Longwood Senior goalkeeper Kyra Byron

FARMVILLE, Va. -- Longwood University remained unbeaten at home in Big South Conference women’s soccer action on Saturday afternoon, taking a 2-0 shutout victory past Gardner-Webb University at the Athletics Complex in Farmville.  Sophomore Kelsey McDonald|Kennett Square, Pa. (Unionville) scored what proved to be the game-winning goal in the 26th minute for the Lancers (10-4, 5-1 Big South), as the hosts improved to 4-0 in league home matches with the win against the visiting Bulldogs (2-10-1, 1-4-1 Big South).  Junior Kelsey Pardue|Henrico (Hermitage) added a late insurance goal in the 81st minute, as the program attained its 13th 10-win season in the sport’s 19-year history, and senior keeper Kyra Byron|Richmond (Mills E. Godwin) gained the shutout in front of the net.  Longwood will play its next three conference matches on the road, beginning on Thursday, October 11, at Campbell University in Buies Creek, North Carolina at 7 p.m.  
    
“We created a lot of chances, especially in the first half, but we could have done much more with our finishing,” said 19th-year head coach Todd Dyer ‘93.  “The second half was lackluster for us in a lot of areas, but we won’t complain about a 2-0 shutout in conference.”
    
Longwood controlled the match throughout and led 1-0 at the intermission after McDonald scored the opening goal at 25:45, finishing with a hard shot into the back of the net after collecting a loose ball in the left side of the box.  It was McDonald’s third goal this season, and her second goal in two matches, as the Lancers led 1-0 at the intermission despite having a 14-0 advantage in shots.  Pardue, who leads the Big South in scoring with 17 points (six goals, five assists), scored at 80:49 when she collected her own rebound from a saved penalty-kick attempt and promptly placed the ball back into the net for her sixth goal this fall.
    
Longwood had a 22-2 advantage in shots, including 10-2 in attempts on goal, and it was 9-2 on corner kicks.  Pardue had six shots, four on goal, while McDonald added four shots, one on goal.  Byron played the duration in front for the Lancers with two saves en route to her fifth shutout this season, and the 12th shutout of her career to rank sixth all-time.
    
Ashley Carmean and Shelby Hooe each had one shot, on goal, for Gardner-Webb, while Amy Schmitt, who had the PK stop, played the duration for the Bulldogs with eight saves.
    
Longwood and Gardner-Webb were playing for the third time in the sport of women’s soccer, though for the first time since 1998, and the Lancers now lead the series, 2-1.
    
Longwood welcomed back its 2002 team on the 10th anniversary of their Carolinas-Virginia Athletic Conference (CVAC) Tournament Championship.  The Lancers won the CVAC Championship that season with a 2-0 shutout against Barton College in Belmont, North Carolina.  Longwood finished the 2002 campaign with a final record of 15-3-1 overall, including 10-1-0 in the CVAC, still the second-finest season in the history of the program.  Team members included Brandi Barfield, Holly Belcher, Mikaela Bizer, Mia Capps, Hillary Carney, Melissa Cary, Christine Clay, Teresa Feher, Tiffany Gruschow, Amanda Guckian, Erin Kennedy, Laura Kilmartin, Rachel Krekorian, Stef Langton, Rigel Lockett, April Lockley, Sarah Mathis, Phoebe Munson, Lindsay Naill, Gina Powell, Whitney Raunswinter, Tiffany Rice and Tricia Root.  Coach Dyer was assisted by Juan Bernedo and Kayla Miller.

Radford Men Shutout Longwood Lancers, 3-0

LONGWOOD FALLS TO RADFORD 3-0

 

FARMVILLE, Va. – The Longwood University men’s soccer team dropped a 3-0 decision to Big South Conference opponent Radford University (5-2-3, 3-0) on Wednesday evening in Farmville. Freshman Ikechuwu Etonyeaku|Norfolk (Maury) led the Lancers (3-8-1, 2-6-1) with two shots in the outing. Longwood will return to action Saturday, October 6 when the squad travels to George Mason University for a 7 p.m. tilt.

“Fair credit can be given to Radford, who worked hard to make it difficult for us and took their opportunities well, but we have to question how much we participated in the result,” said head coach Jon Atkinson. “In the first half, our performance lacked purpose, but at 1-0, we always had a chance. Just as we were starting to get a grip of the game, we were very unfortunate to go a man down, which made the task even harder. With that being said, we played better with 10 and finally showed some enterprise in the final third. I hope we heed some lessons to finish the season well.”

In addition to Etonyeaku, three other Lancers registered a shot on the night. Senior Devin Pierce|Virginia Beach, senior Adel Sarras|Burke (Annandale) and freshman Rhys Cairns|Washington, England (St. Roberts of Newminster RC School) each posted one shot in the match. Sophomore goalkeeper Paul Hegedus|Ashburn (Broad Run) registered four saves in 68:45 in front of the net. Freshman Seth Erdman|Hummelstown, Pa. (Lower Dauphin) came off the bench to play the last 21:15 of the game.

Radford controlled the momentum early and was awarded a penalty kick in the fifth minute following a Longwood foul. Bernado Ulmo was successful on the attempt, finding the lower left corner of the net, to give the Highlanders an early 1-0 lead.

The teams battled back and forth in the middle of the field until an RU corner kick opportunity sparked a flurry of chances for the Highlanders in the 23^rd minute, but a strong defensive effort by the Lancers extinguished the opportunities. A Radford forward sent a shot toward the lower right post that was turned away by a diving Hegedus. A second shot was put on goal before Hegedus could recover, but freshman Sam Yardley|Fairfax Station (Robinson) took a good angle into the cage for the defensive save. The Highlanders picked up the rebound once again and sent a third shot toward the net, this time sailing just high and hitting the crossbar, allowing the Lancers to clear the ball and get out of the situation unscathed.

Neither team was able to find the net before the first half expired, sending the teams into the break with a one-goal differential. Coming out of halftime, Evan Jones|Midlothian (Midlothian) was issued a red card before Radford’s Jannik Eckenrode found the back of the net with a leaping shot to make it a 2-0 game.

The Lancers’ offense went on the attack in the 70^th minute, when Etonyeaku dished a pass across the box to Pierce, who fired off a hard shot that flew just wide of the net. Sarras followed with a shot of his own from 25 yards out, but it sailed just high before Etonyeaku put a shot on goal that was stopped the RU keeper.

The Highlanders added an insurance goal in 78^th minute from Ramzi Dridi. Wednesday’s match marked the 16^th meeting between Longwood and Radford in the sport of men’s soccer. With tonight’s victory, the Highlanders now hold a slight, 8-7-1 advantage in the all-time series.

Longwood Women's Soccer Week 6 Recap

FARMVILLE, Va. – Longwood split its first two Big South Conference road matches last week, winning 2-0 at Charleston Southern on September 27, before a 2-0 loss at Coastal Carolina on Sept. 29.  The Lancers are 8-4 overall, 3-1 in the Big South, and have already surpassed their win total from last season (7-7-4), while enjoying their finest season start since 2002 (9-2-1).  Longwood will play two conference home contests this week at the Athletics Complex in Farmville against Winthrop University on Thursday, October 4, at 5:30 p.m. (this is a time change from original schedule), and Gardner-Webb University on Saturday, Oct. 6, at 4 p.m.

Recapping CSU
Longwood took control early when junior Kelsey Pardue|Henrico (Hermitage), last week’s Big South Conference Attacking Player of the Week, scored her fifth goal of the season in the 18th minute with a shot to the upper right corner while assisted by sophomore Kelsey McDonald|Kennett Square, Pa. (Unionville).  Pardue contributed her fourth assist this fall when she played a long through ball into the box to freshman Haylea Witz|Chesapeake (Grassfield) who finished successfully in the 37th minute.  It was the second goal this year for Witz, and also the second assist for McDonald.  Senior keeper Kyra Byron|Richmond (Mills E. Godwin) took care of the rest for the Lancers, making three saves en route to her fourth shutout this season, and the 11th shutout of her career.  Longwood and Charleston Southern were playing for the ninth time, and the Lancers now lead the series, 5-4.

Quoting Head Coach Todd Dyer
“That being our first road test, we felt pretty good about the result. We had a good start in terms of our ball movement and that helped us settle in and get that critical first goal … and the way we defended, that one was all we needed.”

Recapping CCU
It was scoreless at the intermission before Coastal Carolina scored the first goal in the 61st minute, and the Chanticleers added a late insurance goal in the 87th minute.  Longwood and Coastal Carolina were playing for the sixth time, and the Chanticleers now lead the series, 5-1.

Quoting Head Coach Todd Dyer
“Looking back on the whole 90 minutes, Coastal Carolina deserved that result.  They put us under a lot of pressure and we just didn’t deal with it well enough.  Offensively, we weren’t a consistent threat and that freed up their backs to get forward and create problems for us.  We are capable of playing at a higher level and we have to show that against a strong Winthrop squad.”

Leading The Lancers
Kelsey Pardue leads Longwood in scoring through 12 matches with her five goals and four assists totaling 14 points.  Senior captain Lindsey Ottavio|Fairfax (W.T. Woodson) adds two goals and three assists for seven points.  Sophomores Kylie Dyer|Farmville (Prince Edward County) (2g), Kelsey McDonald (1g, 2a) and Samantha Phillips|Chesapeake (Grassfield) (2g), along with Haylea Witz (2g) each contribute four points.  Senior Nikki Glisson|Mechanicsville (Hanover), as well as freshmen Bridget Bergquist|Bristow (Brentsville) and Alana Mackey|Leesburg (Loudoun County) each add one goal for two points apiece.  Sophomore Taylor Cave|Virginia Beach (Kellam) and freshman Olivia Colella|Herndon (Chantilly) each have one assist totaling one point. Kyra Byron has played 961 minutes in front of the net while allowing 11 goals (1.03) with 43 saves (.796) and 4.33 shutouts.  Junior keeper Shelby Hall|Purcellville (Loudoun Valley) has played 123 minutes in front of the net while allowing three goals (2.20) with nine saves (.750) and 0.33 shutouts.  Redshirt-sophomore Dana Wallace|Charlottesville (Home Schooled) has played 12 minutes in front of the net with 0.33 shutouts.

Coaching Milestone: 200 Career Wins
Todd Dyer, enjoying his 19th year as the founder and head coach of the Longwood women’s soccer program, now has an overall record of 201-123-20, including 14 winning seasons. A former standout midfielder at Longwood, he served as a team captain for two years and scored 15 goals during his four years, earning All-Virginia Intercollegiate Soccer Association (VISA) honors as a senior.  A native of Manassas, Dyer earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education from Longwood in 1993.  He also coached the Longwood men’s soccer program for seven years (1996-2002), compiling a record of 75-53-7.

Quoting Head Coach Todd Dyer
“200 is a nice milestone and what it really reflects is that I’ve been fortunate to do what I love, at a place I love, for a long, long time. I’m blessed to have had the privilege of working with so many great people these past 19 years.  Our program’s future is very bright due to all of their hard work.”

Big South … Here We Are
Longwood has completed the non-league portion of its schedule and will play only Big South matches the rest of the season.  The Lancers play 11-straight Big South contests from Sept. 20 to Oct. 23.  The Big South Conference Tournament will include the top eight teams playing quarterfinal matches at the four highest seeds on Oct. 27, followed by semifinal matches on November 2 and the tournament championship contest on Nov. 4, hosted by Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina.

NCAA/Big South Statistics
Longwood ranked 65th in Division I winning percentage (.667) through Sept. 30, and 70th in shutout percentage (.417).  Kelsey Pardue ranked 11th in game-winning goals (4), 116th in assists (4), 118th in points (14) and 141st in goals (5).  Kyra Byron ranked 108th in goals-against average (1.03), 114th in save percentage (.796) and 148th in minutes (961). In Big South matches (4), the Lancers are first in goals-against-average (0.74), tied for first in shutouts (2), second in home attendance (432), tied for third in assists (6-1.5), while fifth in goals (8-2.0) and points (22-5.5).  Kelsey Pardue ranks first in goals (4-1.0), game-winning goals (3) and points (11-2.75), and is tied for first in assists (3-.75).  Kyra Byron ranks first in goals-against average (0.84) and is tied for third in save percentage (.800) and shutouts (.25).  Lindsey Ottavio is tied for fourth in assists (2-0.50).

Big South Conference/Attacking Player Of The Week
Kelsey Pardue was named the Big South Conference Attacking Player Of The Week Sept. 25 for her efforts during the 4-0 home win against UNC Asheville on Sept. 20 and the 2-1 overtime home win against Presbyterian on Sept. 22. She is Longwood’s third Big South Player of the Week (see below).  Pardue scored three goals -- two game-winners -- and added two assists to lead Longwood to a pair of Big South wins.  She was involved in all four scores against UNC Asheville, scoring the first and game-winning goal in the fourth minute with a hard shot into the net after a feed into the box.  Pardue returned the favor when she fed the ball in from the left side on the game’s second goal in the 12th minute, and added another assist as she played a through-ball in for a successful shot in the 19th minute.  She completed the scoring outburst when she got free down the middle of the field and beat the keeper one-on-one in the 21st minute.  Pardue capped her outstanding week with the game-winning goal in OT against Presbyterian.  She tallied the game-winner in the 105th minute when she dribbled up the middle through traffic and shot successfully to the right upper 90.  The talented third-year starter now totals 13 goals and 16 assists for 42 points in her career.  Pardue was also named the College Sports Madness Big South Player of the Week.

Big South Conference Defensive Player Of The Week
Kyra Byron was named the Big South Conference Defensive Player Of The Week Sept. 11 for her effort during a 1-0 shutout road victory at the University of Maryland-Baltimore County on Sept. 9.  She is Longwood’s second Big South Player of the Week.  Byron posted six saves for the Lancers against the Retrievers with five of her saves in the second half, including four after Longwood had taken a one-goal advantage.  It was the third shutout in six matches this season for Byron, the fourth-year team member who now totals 10 shutouts in her career to rank sixth all-time.

Big South Conference/Attacking Player Of The Week
Lindsey Ottavio was named the Big South Conference Attacking Player Of The Week August 28 for her effort during the 2-1 double-overtime home win past Richmond on August 24.  She is Longwood’s first Big South Player of the Week since the school joined the conference on July 1.  Ottavio scored two unassisted goals, including the game-winner just 50-seconds into the second extra period to lead the Lancers (3-1) past the Spiders.  She scored her first goal in the 65th minute, taking the ball through the middle of the box while beating both a defender and the keeper with a shot to the left side of the net at 64:35.  Ottavio finally ended the well-played match at 100:50 when she took a loose ball in the box and once again beat the keeper with a hard shot to the left side for the sudden victory.  The second-year team captain has eight game-winning goals in her career.  Ottavio was also named the College Sports Madness Big South Player of the Week.

Big South Network
Longwood produced its first-ever Big South Network live video-streamed broadcast against UNC Asheville Sept. 20. The Big South Network is the official video provider for all Big South Conference games. Each member institution is required to produce broadcasts for home events to be streamed via the conference network. The Lancers will stream three women’s soccer matches this fall, including the matches against visiting Winthrop University (Oct. 4) and Virginia Military Institute (Oct. 20).  The Big South Network has an archive of on-demand videos that can be viewed for free.  A paid subscription is required to view live events, with both single-game and season passes available.  You can view the Longwood Lancers TV page to watch all of the Lancers’ webcasts and see a schedule of upcoming events by visiting www.longwoodlancers.com or www.bigsouthsports.com.

In The Record Book
Kyra Byron ranks second in career goals against average (0.87), and fifth in minutes (3524) among keepers at Longwood, allowing just 34 goals.  Lindsey Ottavio ranks in a tie for third in career goals (24), and is tied for fifth in career points (58).

No Place Like Home
Longwood is now 45-15-2 (.758) on its home turf at the Athletics Complex since beginning competition at the facility in 2006.  The Lancers, 5-1 at home this season, are 38-14-1 (.726) in Farmville since attaining its NCAA Division I certification and eligibility for 2007.

2012 Captains
Lindsey Ottavio is serving as a team captain for the second consecutive season, while senior Natalie Massey|Virginia Beach (Landstown) is in the team leadership role for the first time.

Youth Being Served
Ten freshmen and/or sophomores have made starts through the opening 10 matches.  The Lancers have nine true sophomores and 10 true freshmen among their 28-player roster, and overall, 18 of them have seen action this season.

The Coaching Staff
Head coach Todd Dyer ’93 is in his 19th year leading Longwood and is assisted by associate head coach Steve Brdarski, in his ninth season, along with student assistant Rachel Powers ’14.  Coach Dyer enters this week with a career coaching record of 201-123-20.

Up Next Week
Longwood will go back on the road for two Big South matches in North Carolina at Campbell University on Thursday, Oct. 11, at 7 p.m., before playing at High Point University on Saturday, Oct. 13, at 5 p.m.

Longwood Women Shutout Charleston Southern, 2-0

LONGWOOD WINS BIG SOUTH ROAD OPENER AT CHARLESTON SOUTHERN 2-0

Longwood Sophomore Kelsey McDonald

CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Longwood University won its third consecutive Big South Conference women’s soccer match Thursday afternoon, and first league game on the road, taking a 2-0 win at Charleston Southern University in Charleston, South Carolina.  Junior Kelsey Pardue|Henrico (Hermitage) scored the game-winning goal in the 18th minute for the Lancers (8-3, 3-0 Big South), assisted by sophomore Kelsey McDonald|Kennett Square, Pa. (Unionville), and freshman Haylea Witz|Chesapeake (Grassfield) added the second goal against the Buccaneers (3-6-1, 1-2 Big South), assisted by Pardue.  Senior keeper Kyra Byron|Richmond (Mills E. Godwin) posted the shutout.  Longwood will play again on Saturday, September 29, remaining on the road at Big South member Coastal Carolina University in Conway, South Carolina at 1 p.m.
  
“That being our first road test, we feel pretty good about the result,” said 19th-year head coach Todd Dyer ‘93.  “We had a good start in terms of our ball movement and that helped us settle in and get that critical first goal … and the way we defended today, that one was all we needed.  Now it’s time to move on to Coastal.”
  
Longwood took control early at CSU when Pardue, this week’s Big South Conference Attacking Player of the Week, scored her fifth goal of the season at 17:32 with a shot to the upper right corner while assisted by McDonald.  Pardue, who had three goals and two assists in two conference matches last week, contributed her fourth assist this fall when she played a long through ball into the box to Witz who finished successfully at 36:41.  It was the second goal this year for Witz, and also the second assist earlier for McDonald.  Byron took care of the rest for the Lancers, making three saves en route to her fourth shutout this season, and the 11th shutout of her career.
  
Longwood took a 20-10 advantage in shots, and it was 10-3 in attempts on goal, while a 5-1 margin on corner kicks.  Pardue had five shots, one on goal, and freshman Olivia Colella|Herndon (Chantilly) added three shots, two on goal, to lead Longwood.  As mentioned, Byron played the duration in front of the net with three saves and the shutout for the Lancers.
  
Gina Cox had three shots for CSU, while keeper Caitlin Cody played the duration for the Buccaneers with eight saves.
  
Longwood and Charleston Southern were playing for the ninth time in the sport of women’s soccer, and the Lancers now lead the closely-played series, 5-4.

Lancers Women Beat Presbyterian in OT, 200th Career Win for Todd Dyer

LONGWOOD DEFEATS BIG SOUTH OPPONENT PRESBYTERIAN 2-1 IN OT

Lancers’ 19th-year head coach Todd Dyer Earns Win #200

FARMVILLE, Va. -- Longwood University won its second consecutive Big South Conference women’s soccer match Saturday afternoon, taking a 2-1 home win in overtime past Presbyterian College at the Athletics Complex in Farmville.  Junior Kelsey Pardue|Henrico (Hermitage) scored the exciting game-winning goal in the fifth minute of OT for the Lancers (7-3, 2-0 Big South), unassisted, and sophomore Kylie Dyer|Farmville (Prince Edward) added the first goal against the Blue Hose (0-9, 0-2 Big South), assisted by senior captainLindsey Ottavio|Fairfax (W.T. Woodson).  The league triumph was also the 200th career coaching victoryfor 19th-year head coach Todd Dyer ‘93 (200-122-20).  Longwood will play again on Thursday, September 27, on the road at Big South member Charleston Southern University in Charleston, South Carolina at 3 p.m.  

Lancers Women's Head Coach Todd Dyer

    
“Throughout the course of a season, you’re going to face moments of adversity,” said Coach Dyer.  “This was one of those moments and we responded in a positive way by gutting out a result against a very organized and resilient Presbyterian squad.  We have to be better as we move forward and now we have a good idea of what we have to work on in training this week.”
    
Longwood and Presbyterian were scoreless at the intermission before Kylie Dyer, the daughter of the head coach, received a nice ball into the box from Ottavio and promptly finished to the left corner of the net at 50:46 for the 1-0 advantage.  It was Dyer’s second goal this season, and the third assist for Ottavio.  The Blue Hose, however, battled back and were able to tie it at 1-1 on a goal from Brittany Whitson at 65:57.  The Lancers nearly won it at the end of regulation but missed an opportunity from point-blank range in the 89th minute. Pardue, who had two goals and two assists on Thursday during a 4-0 shutout past UNC Asheville, tallied the game-winner at 94:59 when she dribbled up the middle through traffic and shot successfully to the right upper 90 to give Coach Dyer his 200th coaching win.  It was Pardue's fourth goal this fall, including her third game-winning goal.
    
“200 is a nice milestone and what it really reflects is that I’ve been fortunate to do what I love, at a place I love, for a long, long time,” added Coach Dyer.  “I’m blessed to have had the privilege of working with so many great people these past 19 years.  Our program’s future is very bright due to all of their hard work.”
    
Longwood took a 14-7 advantage in shots, and it was 6-4 in attempts on goal, while a 9-1 margin on corner kicks.  Ottavio had four shots, three on goal, and Kylie Dyer added two shots, one on goal, to lead Longwood.  How appropriate that Kylie Dyer scored a goal on this special day for her father.  Senior keeper Kyra Byron|Richmond (Mills E. Godwin) played the duration in front of the net with three saves for the Lancers.
    
Presbyterian had seven shots from seven different players, while keeper Jordan Broadway played the duration for the Blue Hose with four saves.
    
Longwood and Presbyterian were playing for the fourth time in the sport of women’s soccer, and the Blue Hose still lead the series, 2-1-1.
    
It was also Joshua Bolt Day as the Longwood women’s soccer program recognized Joshua and the Bolt family during a special pre-game ceremony, and dedicated the match against Presbyterian to Joshua.

Longwood Women Shutout UNC Asheville 4-0

LONGWOOD WINS BIG SOUTH CONFERENCE OPENER PAST UNC ASHEVILLE 4-0

Longwood Junior Kelsey Pardue (courtesy LongwoodLancers.com)

FARMVILLE, Va. -- Longwood University won its first-ever Big South Conference women’s soccer match Thursday night, taking a 4-0 home win past the University of North Carolina-Asheville at the Athletics Complex in Farmville.  Junior Kelsey Pardue|Henrico (Hermitage) scored what proved to be the winning goal in the fourth minute for the Lancers (6-3, 1-0 Big South), assisted by senior captain Lindsey Ottavio|Fairfax (W.T. Woodson), as the hosts scored all four goals during the first 21 minutes against the Bulldogs (2-7, 0-1 Big South).  Pardue added a second goal, and two assists, while sophomore Kelsey McDonald|Kennett Square, Pa. (Unionville) and freshman Alana Mackey|Leesburg (Loudoun County) each added goals as well.  Longwood will play again on Saturday afternoon, September 22, hosting Big South member Presbyterian College at the Athletics Complex in Farmville at 2 p.m.  It will be Joshua Bolt Day as the team will recognize Joshua and the Bolt family during a special pre-game ceremony, dedicating the match against the Blue Hose to Joshua.  Admission is free.
   
“That was our first Big South game ever and we used all of that energy and excitement to get things started off the right way,” said 19th year head coach Todd Dyer ‘93, who earned career coaching win number 199.  “Kelsey Pardue was special tonight and was a real catalyst for us offensively.  The defensive shutout was equally impressive for our team.”
   
Longwood jumped out to the early advantage when Ottavio got free down the right side of the field and played a nice ball into the box to Pardue who finished with her hard shot into the net at 3:19.  Pardue returned the favor when she fed the ball in from the left side to Mackey who beat the keeper left at 11:43.  Pardue added another assist as she played a through-ball to McDonald who shot successfully to the right corner at 18:07.  Pardue completed the scoring outburst when she got free down the middle of the field and beat the keeper one-on-one at 21:00.  It capped an amazing effort by Pardue who was involved in all four goals (two goals, two assists) … she now totals three goals and three assists this season.  It was Ottavio’s second assist, while McDonald scored her first goal, and Mackey earned her first collegiate goal.
   
Longwood took a 10-9 edge in shots, it was 6-6 in attempts on goal, and the Lancers had a 6-4 edge on corner kicks.  Pardue had three shots, each on goal, to lead Longwood.  Senior keeper Kyra Byron|Richmond (Mills E. Godwin) played the first 45 minutes with three saves, junior keeper Shelby Hall|Purcellville (Loudoun Valley) played the first 32:44 of the second half with three saves, and redshirt-sophomore Dana Wallace|Charlottesville (Home Schooled) played the final 12:16 as the three combined for the Lancers’ shutout.  It was the first collegiate action in front of the net for Wallace.
  
Kaitlyn Eckert had three shots to lead UNC Asheville, while keeper Heather Muller played the duration for the Bulldogs with two saves.  Longwood and UNC Asheville were playing for just the third time in the sport of women’s soccer, and the Lancers now lead the series, 3-0.

Little Lancers Kids Club Soccer Clinic
The Little Lancers Kids Club will be conducting a free soccer clinic hosted by the women’s soccer team after Saturday’s match against Presbyterian.  The clinic will last approximately 30-45 minutes with free food and drink available after the clinic, as well as an autograph session with Elwood and the Lancers.  This event is open to members and non-members who are interested in gaining more information about the Little Lancers Kids Club.

Longwood Lancers Men Fall to Spiders 2-1

LONGWOOD FALLS TO RICHMOND, 2-1

 

Longwood University men's soccer team (courtesy of Longwood.edu)

 

 

RICHMOND, Va. -- The Longwood University men’s soccer team fell, 2-1, to the University of Richmond (2-5) on Tuesday evening in Richmond, Va. Senior Evan Jones| Midlothian (Midlothian) scored his first goal of the season to lead the Lancers (2-6). Longwood returns to action on Saturday, September 22, when it hosts Big South Conference opponent Gardner-Webb University at 7 p.m.

“Statistics can paint part of the story, but all in all, the main focal point in the game is getting the result, and scoring is an art in itself,” said head coach Jon Atkinson. ”We had some marvelous opportunities, but failed on many and have to hold our hands up and say we didn’t do enough to win it. Richmond did a good job of getting their noses in front and putting up stiff resistance, which was something we had hoped to avoid. Thankfully, we have a great opportunity to bounce back with a conference game this Saturday against Gardner-Webb.”

In the seventh minute of play, Richmond jumped out to an early lead, as Parker Patterson fed a pass to the right side of the field for Houston Oldham, who fired a shot towards the upper left corner of the net to give the Spiders a 1-0 lead.

The Lancers offense controlled possession of the ball for much of the half, outshooting Richmond, 10-6, in the first 45 minutes, but could not move the net before Richmond scored its second goal of the night and the eventual game-winner in the 37^th minute. Mitch Reavis sent a cross to Houston, who was set up in front of the net for the header on goal.

The Lancers would not go quietly and were able to get on the board less than 40 seconds later, as Jones crashed the ball before it could be fully cleared by the Liberty defense and sent a hard shot to the back post from about six yards out, making it a 2-1 game headed into the break.

Coming out of halftime, the teams battled through 45 minutes of scoreless action. Neither squad was able to convert on an opportunity in the second half, allowing Richmond to hold on to take the slim, 2-1 margin of victory.   

Junior Brian Henry| Stafford (Colonial Forge) led the Lancers with five shots in the outing, while sophomore Anthony Ugorji|Washington, D.C. (Archbishop Carroll) added three shots of his own. Seniors Devin Pierce|Virginia Beach (Ocean Lakes) and Adel Sarras|Burke (Annandale), along with junior Jared Windt|Haymarket (Battlefield) tallied two shots apiece, while Jones and Rhys Cairns|Washington, England (St. Roberts of Newminster RC School) notched one each on the night. Oldham had a team-high five shots for the Spiders.

Freshmen Carl Carpenter|Charlottesville (St. Anne’s Belfield) and Seth Erdman|Hummelstown, Pa. (Lower Dauphin) split time in the net for the Lancers. Carpenter, who started the game, made three saves in 48+ minutes of action, while Erdman came off the bench to make two saves in the last 41+ minutes of the game.

Longwood outshot Richmond, 18-11, in the outing, and had three corner kick opportunities compared to two for the Spiders. Tuesday’s contest marked the 13^th meeting between the Lancers and the Spiders in the sports of men’s soccer. Longwood holds a 6-5-2 advantage in the all-time series.

Longwood women defeat East Tennessee State 2-1

LONGWOOD DEFEATS VISITING EAST TENNESSEE STATE 2-1

Longwood  Freshman Bridget Bergquist

FARMVILLE, Va. -- Longwood University took a 2-1 non-conference women’s soccer victory at home past visiting East Tennessee State University of Atlantic Sun Conference Friday afternoon at the Athletics Complex in Farmville.  Freshman Bridget Bergquist|Bristow (Brentsville) scored the game-winning goal unassisted in the 69th minute for the Lancers (5-2), and sophomore Samantha Phillips|Chesapeake (Grassfield) added the opening goal in the 22nd minute, assisted by senior captain Lindsey Ottavio|Fairfax (W.T. Woodson) against the Lady Buccaneers (6-2).  Longwood will play on the road again on Sunday, September 16, at non-league opponent Cleveland State University of the Horizon League in Ohio at 1 p.m.
    
“That’s a fantastic result for our team against a very strong program that has really gotten off to a good start this year,” said 19th year head coach Todd Dyer ‘93.  “We were able to establish some possession early in the game, and after settling in, we found ways to run at their back line and create some chances.  On that note, I thought we let a few of those chances slip away, but Sam and Bridget got the goals we needed in the end.
    
“Defensively, we were solid and the only goal we conceded was an own goal on our part, which happens sometimes when you get pinned in deep and loose balls start banging around your own penalty area.  We’ll enjoy this win for the next few hours and then hop on the bus early tomorrow morning and head for Cleveland State on Sunday.”
    
Longwood and ETSU battled early before Phillips finished a pass in the box from Ottavio to the right post at 21:37.  It was the second goal of the season for Phillips, and the first assist of the fall by Ottavio.  Just prior to the first goal, junior Kelsey Pardue|Henrico (Hermitage) had just missed on a scoring opportunity when her shot hit the right post but rolled away from the goal area.  It remained 1-0 at the intermission and for 20-plus minutes into the second half before the Lady Bucs were credited with an own goal at 66:35 when a free kick was inadvertently deflected backwards into the net.  Bergquist entered the match off the bench and promptly collected a loose ball in the box and beat the keeper with her shot to the left-side of the net at 68:56 for the game-winner, and her first collegiate goal.
    
Each team took eight shots during the well-played match, and ETSU had a slight 6-5 edge in attempts on goal, though Longwood had an 8-4 advantage in corner kicks.  Phillips, Bergquist, and Ottavio were among five Lancers with single shot attempts on goal.  Senior keeper Kyra Byron|Richmond (Mills. E. Godwin)played the duration in front of the net with five saves toward the triumph.
    
Emilee Engelhaupt, Ramey Kerns, and Lucy Goffe each had two shots for ETSU, while keeper Kara Krajentaplayed the duration for the Lady Bucs with three saves.
    
Longwood and ETSU were playing for just the second time in the sport of women’s soccer as the young series is now tied at 1-1.

Longwood men defeat VMI 3-2

LONGWOOD DEFEATS VMI, 3-2

FARMVILLE, Va. -- The Longwood University men’s soccer team defeated Big South Conference opponent VMI (1-4, 0-1), 3-2, on Wednesday evening at the Athletics Complex in Farmville. Sophomore Jonathan Kukapa|Leesburg (Clarksburg Md.) scored the winning goal for the Lancers (2-4, 2-3) in the 83^rd minute to guide his squad to victory. Longwood returns to action on Saturday, September 15, when it travels to High Point University for a 7 p.m. tilt.

“This game had it all, and fortunately for us, it had a happy ending in what was a must-win game,” said head coach Jon Atkinson. “I give credit to VMI, who showed true grit throughout and made a good run of it in the second half, as the game opened up. I thought we showed our best and worst tonight, playing some good, composed soccer, and only missed a goal for all the good work. As often happens in this game, just as you are feeling in control, you get hit with a sucker punch. It took a dramatic final 20 minutes to pull this result out of the bag.

“We had some excellent contributions from the starters and from our bench to make this a true team performance.”

Kukapa totaled three points in the outing to lead all scorers. Junior Jared Windt|Haymarket (Battlefield) and freshman Sam Yardley|Fairfax Station (Robinson) each added to the offensive effort with their first-career goals. Anthony Ugorji|Washington, D.C. (Archbishop Carroll) tallied an assist in the contest, as well. Freshman goalkeeper Carl Carpenter|Charlottesville (St. Anne's Belfield School) tallied two saves to record the victory in net for the Lancers.

Longwood controlled the pace of play early, tallying eight shots in the first 45 minutes while not allowing VMI to take any. Neither squad was able to move the net in the first period, but the Lancers came close in the 26^th minute when freshman Christian Keilty|Spotsylvania (Riverbend) fired a hard shot to the right post, but the VMI keeper was able to scoop it up with a sliding save to extinguish the opportunity. Later in the half, senior Devin Pierce|Virginia Breach (Ocean Lakes) headed a cross from senior Adel Sarras|Burke (Annandale), but it sailed just high, hitting the crossbar. In the last five minutes of the first, the Lancers had two chances, as freshman Mike Durr|Brandon, Miss. (Brandon) and Ugorji put shots directly on goal, but the Keydets goalkeeper came up with the saves to send the teams to the locker rooms knotted at 0-0.

Both squads went on the attack coming out of the break, combining for all five of the game’s goals in the second half. VMI broke the match open in the 47^th minute when Kyle Farmer sent a pass to David Rochow, who’s header found its way under the crossbar to give the Keydets a 1-0 advantage.

After more than 27 minutes of scoreless action, Windt was awarded a penalty kick for the Lancers after VMI was issued a yellow card in the 74^th minute. Windt sent his shot high to find the back of the net just over the outstretched fingers of the Keydets’ keeper to make it a 1-1 game.

The Lancers took their first lead of the night less than 30 seconds later, as Kukapa made a pass from the left side of the box that found Yardley near the right post for the header on goal.

In the 79^th minute, the Keydets retaliated to tie the score for the second time in the match. Farmer lobbed a pass to the right side of the goal to set up Blake McCauley, who converted on a diving header.

The Lancers scored what would become the winning goal in the 83^rd minute of play when Ugorji and Kukapa set off on a 2-on-1 breakaway that ended when Ugorji dribbled to the end line and sent a cross in front of the net to Kukapa, who fired into the right side of the net to give Longwood the 3-2 victory.

Longwood outshot VMI, 16-5, in the match. Wednesday’s outing marked the 13^th meeting between the Lancers and the Keydets in the sport of men’s soccer. Longwood now leads the all-time series, 10-3.

Late goal give Lancers men 1-0 win over UNCA

LONGWOOD EARNS 1-0 VICTORY AT UNCA 

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – The Longwood University men’s soccer team scored a late goal to earn a 1-0 victory at Big South Conference foe UNC Asheville (1-4-0) on Sunday afternoon. Senior Devin Pierce|Virginia Beach (Ocean Lakes) converted on a penalty kick to lead the Lancers (1-4-0) to their first win of the 2012 season. Longwood returns to action on Wednesday, September 12 when the squad hosts VMI at the Athletics Complex in Farmville, Va. at 7 p.m.

“This was a historic win for Longwood Athletics and the men’s soccer program, and we are delighted,” said head coach Jon Atkinson. “It wasn’t a masterpiece by any stretch, but today was all about the result. The game was back-and-forth and UNCA pegged us back at times, but we had a sense that one goal would have been enough. I am delighted for the lads, and to get the result on the road with nine starting freshmen was a huge plus.

“We have to improve, and we will, but today was all about getting a positive result and building in readiness for VMI on Wednesday.”

The teams traded possessions in the first half, with neither squad able to move the net through the first 45 minutes of action. After the break, Longwood and UNCA battled through over 28 minutes more minutes of play locked in a scoreless tie. The winning goal came in the 74^th minute, when Pierce was awarded a penalty kick for the Lancers and fired a hard shot that found its way past the UNCA keeper.

Pierce led Longwood with four shots on the day. Freshman Zach Corcoran|Martinsville (Martinsville) tallied two shots of his own, while senior Adel Sarras|Burke (Annandale), and freshmen Rhys Cairns|Washington, England (St. Roberts of Newminster RC School) and Will Lambert|Charlottesville (Monticello) each posted one. Freshman goalkeeper Carl Carpenter|Charlottesville (St. Anne's Belfield School) turned in a complete game performance in the net for the Lancers, making four saves to earn his first career win.

The Bulldogs finished with a slight, 12-11, edge over the Lancers in shots on the day. UNCA forced seven corner kicks, compared to four for Longwood. Kenneth Lingerfelt and Paul Egle led the offensive effort for the Bulldogs with three shots apiece.

Sunday’s match marked the fifth meeting between Longwood and UNC Ashville in the sport of men’s soccer, and the first win for LU. The Bulldogs now lead the all-time series 3-1-1.

Longwood women shutout UMBC 1-0 on the road

LONGWOOD WINS ON THE ROAD AT UMBC 1-0

FARMVILLE, Va. -- Longwood University took a 1-0 non-conference women’s soccer victory on the road at the University of Maryland-Baltimore County of the America East Conference Sunday afternoon in Baltimore.  Junior Kelsey Pardue|Henrico (Hermitage) scored the game-winning goal in the 58th minute for the Lancers (4-2), assisted by sophomore Kelsey McDonald|Kennett Square, Pa. (Unionville), while senior keeper Kyra Byron|Richmond (Mills. E. Godwin) posted the shutout against the Retrievers (1-6-1).  Longwood will play again on Friday afternoon, September 14, hosting East Tennessee State University of the Atlantic Sun Conference at the Athletics Complex in Farmville beginning at 2 p.m.
    
“I thought it was a fair and hard-earned result the way the game unfolded,” said 19th year head coach Todd Dyer ‘93.  “We were pretty solid passing the ball today and managed to get in behind them on several occasions.  At times, we were a little too eager with our running off of the ball and that showed with the number of times we were called offsides (7).  Eventually, we figured it out and Mac played-in Pardue, who completed the move with a composed and classy finish.”

Junior Kelsey Pardue

Longwood and UMBC were scoreless through the opening 45 minutes before Pardue finished the pass from McDonald  to the right post at 57:27.  It was the first goal of the season by Pardue, and also the first assist of the fall by McDonald.  Byron took care of the rest with five of her six saves in the second half.


    
UMBC took a 9-7 advantage in shots, including 6-4 in attempts on goal, though Longwood had a 2-1 edge in corner kicks.  Senior captain Lindsey Ottavio|Fairfax (W.T. Woodson) had three shots for the Lancers to go along with the two shots taken by Pardue.  Byron played the duration in front of the net with six saves for her 10th career shutout.
    
Rachel McKee and Alexa Quaranta each had three shots to lead UMBC, while keeper Lauren Kadet played the duration for the Retrievers with three saves.
    
Longwood and UMBC were playing for the fourth time in the sport of women’s soccer as the Lancers now lead the series at 2-1-1.