Skip To Main Content

Radford University Athletics

Home Of The RadFord Highlanders RadFord Highlanders
Evan Szklennik
Radford Athletics Communications
0
Campbell CAM (#8 SEED / 5-13-0)
2
Winner Radford RAD (#1 SEED / 12-4-2)
Campbell CAM
(#8 SEED / 5-13-0)
0
Final
2
Radford RAD
(#1 SEED / 12-4-2)
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Campbell CAM 0 0 0
Radford RAD 1 1 2

Game Recap: Men's Soccer |

#1 RADFORD STRIKES QUICKLY, SHUTS OUT #8 CAMPBELL

|

RADFORD, Va. - Evan Szklennik scored his first career goal and the first of his two on the night just 1:28 into the match, and top-seeded Radford (12-4-2) cruised past #8 seed Campbell (5-13-0), 2-0 at Cupp Stadium on Tuesday night in the quarterfinal round of the Big South Tournament. The Highlanders advance to play #4 seed Winthrop in the semifinals Friday at Bryan Park in Greensboro, N.C.

Radford head coach Marc Reeves spoke of his team's performance. "It's do-or-die, win and advance, and our season is over if we don't win. We're the number one seed, and Campbell is an exceptional attacking team. We prepared well, performed well, and had a professional display that got the win to advance."

The Highlanders controlled the match from the onset. Szklennik's game-winner came on a loose ball inside the six, and he beat Campbell keeper, Matthew Mozynski just inside the left post. The early goal helped put some ease to goalkeeper, Stockton Blanchard, who was making his first career appearance in a Highlander uniform. Blanchard's emergency start came when Aitor Pouseu Blanco was ruled out prior to the start of the game with an injury.

"We always stress to our group to be ready for your opportunity, and Stockton tonight was fantastic," Reeves said. "He trains really hard, and he was ready for his moment."

RU's defensive back line gave Blanchard all the support he needed in the first half. The Highlanders allowed just two shots and none on frame as Radford carried the 1-0 lead into the lockerroom. Mozynski turned away four more shots on goal from the Highlanders to keep the Camels within reach heading to the second 45.

The regular season champions were not to be denied, however. Radford kept the pressure on the Campbell defensive half for the better part of the second period, and Szklennik benefited from the momentum for his second goal in the 59th minute. Fraser Colmer's service, which played off the crossbar, to Krzysztof Nalborski, who found a wide open Szklennik in front of the net, and he buried the insurance goal.

Blanchard made four saves on the night in his debut to earn his first collegiate win in a shutout. He faced just eight shots total as the Radford defense was again dominant in the back third.

The Highlanders outshot the Camels 20-8 in all and 10-4 on frame.

"Our group has stuck together like a really strong family and tonight it paid off with a good 2-0 win," Reeves said.
 
Print Friendly Version
Skip To Footer