BOX SCORE

LEXINGTON, Va. – Despite holding a commanding advantage in shots (23-14) and corner kicks (14-6), Radford fell to VMI, 3-0, in Big South men's soccer action Wednesday afternoon at Patchin Field.

“VMI (1-9-1, 1-3-0) is a tough, competitive, well-coached group that showed more spirit than us today,” said Radford head coach Marc Reeves.

In addition to attempting a season-high in corner kicks, which produced a number of near misses, the Highlanders went over the 20-shot plateau for the second time this fall.

“We had some good chances, but the bottom line is you have to work harder and defend better to get a result on the road against any team.”

The Keydets' Amir Shihata provided the eventual game-winner in the 20th minute on a shot from about six-yards out. Shihata's first score of the year came off a pass from Matt Seinfield.

Radford's (6-5-2, 4-2-0) Luis Grande (Caracas, Venezuela / U.E. Colegio Los Arcos), who tied for the team lead with six shots in the contest, had several good scoring chances, including a one v. one opportunity that was struck with power but directly at the VMI keeper.

Seinfield extended the Keydets' lead with a blast from just outside the 18-yard box midway through the second half.

VMI's Brian Harding tacked on an insurance goal in the 86th minute.

Mike Handlin (Opal, Va. / Liberty-Bealeton), who also recorded six shots for the Highlanders, had a great scoring chance in the first half when he tried to loop an attempt, but the stranded VMI goalkeeper managed to paw it away.

“As a staff, we certainly tried to press what today's match would be like, but now hope that we learn quickly from this setback and as a group feel pain from this loss,” Reeves said.

Radford will enjoy a week break before battling New River Valley rival Virginia Tech Oct. 27 in Blacksburg at 7 p.m.