Men's Soccer Loses to VCU, 5-0
Sept. 22, 2007
WASHINGTON - The American University men's soccer team fell 5-0 to Virginia Commonwealth at Reeves Field Saturday afternoon.
Despite American out-shooting the Rams, 14-13, VCU was able to get better scoring chances. VCU took advantage of one of those scoring opportunities just 6:37 into the game, when Sven Meusch received a pass from Matthijs Maruanaya and buried it in the back of the net for a 1-0 lead.
Those two combined again just 23 minutes later when Maruanaya's through-ball found a streaking Meusch and he chipped it over a diving Chris Sedlak.
After a half-time speech from Head Coach Todd West, the Eagles came out attacking, firing the first two shots of the second half. VCU's keeper Andrew Dykstra thwarted the first scoring attempt by Daniel Shannon. Just 21 seconds later, Cameron Petty had another good look, but his shot went high.
American's aggressive play resulted in several counterattacks by VCU. On one such attempt, VCU's Pat Viray broke loose, beat a defender and found himself one-on-one with Sedlak. He chipped it over Sedlak to give the visitors a 3-0 lead.
VCU added another two goals in the 64th and 74th minutes.
Dykstra and Stefan Beyer combined for the shutout, making four saves.
American returns to action on Sept. 25 at William & Mary. Game time is set for 7 p.m.
