Gaisford’s Brace Vaults Men’s Soccer Back into Win Column

Wednesday, September 23

Radford, Va.

7:00 PM

Radford University

3-5-0, 0-1-0

VMI

4-7-0, 0-0-0

Team	1	2	Final F
VMI	1	0	1
Radford	1	2	3

Photo by: Matthew Maldonado

Gaisford’s Brace Vaults Men’s Soccer Back into Win Column

9/23/2026 9:59:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

RADFORD, Va. – The Radford men's soccer program used a trio of goals fueled by Owen Gaisford's brace Wednesday night to secure a 3-1 victory over VMI.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

Gaisford's pair of goals were his first two in a Highlanders uniform. He is also the first Highlander this season with a multi-goal showing.
Noel Zimbeva tagged his team best third goal of the season, straight off a corner unassisted.
The Keydets put decent pressure on the Highlanders' defense, but Ben Miller was able to tally three saves off four on target shots.
The trio of goals is a season high for Radford against a Division I opponent.
Radford remains unblemished at home against VMI with a 14-0-2 record in the series history.

PLAY BY PLAY
The scoring opened early for Radford in the match as the Highlanders tallied their first goal just a few minutes in. Bryce Paige would connect with Martin Desir from the corner who played it right back towards Gaisford in the middle of the box. Gaisford's header moved with ease to the back of the net to give Radford the 1-0 lead.

In the 14th minute, VMI got its first scoring opportunity after a pair of shots rung off in close proximity to Miller. The first shot was saved while the second was blocked by a Radford defender, and after a VAR review confirmed no hand on the ball, Radford held its lead.

In the 41st minute, however, VMI would find the equalizer after a breakaway opportunity provided a one-on-one opportunity. Now tied at 1-1, Radford would get back to work and brought a great intensity into the second half.

After multiple pushes came up empty, it was Zimbeva who would knock in the eventual game winner. After a corner attempt came up empty but just barely touched the VMI keeper, Zimbeva took another attempt that nobody could get a stop on. The beautiful cross went in with no resistance to give Radford a 2-1 lead.

In the 71st minute the Highlanders would get to play add on as Gaisford sealed his brace. Brice Hall would get the initial shot off that was saved before Gaisford came in to clean it up and give Radford the decisive the 3-1 lead. That advantage would hold the rest of the way as the Highlanders snapped a three match skid and move the team to a 3-1 record at home this season.

UP NEXT
The Highlanders return to conference play this weekend as the team visits Gardner-Webb on Saturday, September 26th. Action kicks off at 7:00 p.m. on ESPN+.

STAY SOCIAL WITH RADFORD MEN'S SOCCER
For all the latest on Radford men's soccer, be sure to follow the team on X (@RadfordMSOC), Instagram (@radfordmsoc), and "like" the team's official Facebook Page (Radford Men's Soccer).

#RiseAndDefend