Lynchburg, Va. – The University of Lynchburg men's soccer team opened postseason play Saturday night, earning a 3-0 victory over Guilford to advance to the ODAC semifinals.
The No. 15 Hornets (13-1-4, 6-0-3 ODAC) found the back of the net three times to secure the win over the Quakers (4-8-5, 3-3-3). Both teams traded offensive possessions in the opening minutes, with Guilford recording the first shot attempt of the match. However, Lynchburg struck first in the ninth minute, capitalizing on a set piece to take an early lead.
Following a free kick at the 9:05 mark,
William Casey connected with
Saul Lopez Coreas during a scramble in the box, as Lopez Coreas found the back of the net for his third goal of the season. Despite nearly 25 minutes without another goal, the Hornets continued to apply pressure, out shooting Guilford 7-2 during the stretch. Both of the Quakers' attempts were on target, but Lynchburg goalkeeper
Stefan Kapitanov turned them away to preserve the lead.
Lynchburg doubled its advantage in the 36th minute when
Matthew Viscuso set up
Chris Bovo for the Hornets' second goal of the night. Shortly after, Guilford's Albesa Boix received a red card, forcing the Quakers to play a man down for the remainder of the contest. Guilford managed three additional shot attempts in the closing minutes of the first half but couldn't find the back of the net.
The Hornets turned up the offensive pressure after the break, recording a commanding 13-1 shot advantage in the second half. Lynchburg capped the scoring with six minutes remaining when
Izaack Cruz found
Kohlby Wilson in space, setting up a one-on-one opportunity against the Guilford goalkeeper. Wilson finished low to the right side to put the Hornets ahead 3-0.
Lynchburg finished the night with a 22-8 advantage in shots, including a 10-2 edge in shots on goal.
Saul Lopez Coreas led the Hornets with four attempts, while Viscuso and
Jefferson Lopez Coreas added three apiece. Kapitanov played all 90 minutes in goal and recorded two saves. The senior goalkeeper also recorded his first career point after being credited with an assist on the third goal.
The top-seeded Hornets advance to the ODAC semifinals, where they face No. 23 Washington and Lee on Wednesday, November 4. More details on game time will be released throughout the week.
