RADFORD - For Radford and senior Justin Zimmer (Chesapeake, Va./Hickory), winning and making history was nice on Friday night, but winning on their own field was just as good.

Zimmer's first half goal stood all night and Radford made it a happy homecoming with the program's 300th all-time win, a 1-0 victory over East Tennessee State at Cupp Stadium.

"We've got a lot of home games left on our schedule and it's great to start off the rest of our season this way," Zimmer said after the game.  "Now it's time for me and everyone else to get after it."

Zimmer lifted the Highlanders (2-1-0) to the historic win with a goal in the 21st minute.  On a give-and-go in the penalty box, freshman James Jordan (Dartford, England/Dartford Grammar) collected a loose ball in the middle and found Zimmer on the far side for a low strike from 12 yards out to give Radford a 1-0 lead.

"Iyiola [Awosika] played a great cross in the box to James, and he made it easy for me," Zimmer said. "All I had to do was put it away."

"The first half tonight was some of our best soccer of the year, especially in terms of getting guys forward with the ball," head coach Spencer Smith said.  "Justin's goal was great; he was in the right spot, and finished beautifully.  

"That's what we need: guys that can help us create chances."

Even more important, was how Zimmer's goal stood in the second half, when ETSU fired seven shots to Radford's lone attempt.

"You always want to get ahead, especially after how those last 20 minutes went," Zimmer said.

The Buccaneers (1-1-1) pressured the Highlanders with several quality chances in the second half.  In the 63rd minute, Andrew Brown's far-side drive from 10 yards out was knocked down by sophomore goalkeeper Ryan Taylor (Midlothian, Va./Midlothian).  Three minutes later, Alesi Osorio's open low shot from outside the box drifted wide of the frame, and the Highlanders preserved their 1-0 lead.

In the 85th, Sean Hoek peppered Taylor again, getting another open look on a 20 yard try, but Taylor was up to the task on his second save of the night.

Not be forgotten was the historical significance: Radford's 300th victory.  Since beginning varsity soccer in 1975, the Highlanders are now 300-274-56 all-time.

"It's great to achieve a milestone like this at home," Smith said.  "Definitely a great accomplishment for the team and for Radford University, and we're pleased we could make it happen."

After a wild start to the season where the flu and own goals ruled the storylines, Smith didn't overlook the importance of getting that first home win.

"It's always nice to be playing in your own enviroment, on your own home turf.

"Tonight was the kind of win we can build on."

Radford plays its second home match of the year Wednesday, hosting Davidson at 7 p.m.