After two consecutive draws on the road, VCU Men’s Soccer returned home to Sports Backers to launch A-10 play and secure their first victory in their conference campaign.  The Rams claimed 2 goals and a clean sheet for goal keeper Pierre Gardan with their 2-0 win.

Speed and physicality were on display seconds after the opening kick. VCU outran George Mason early while racking up scoring chances from Dakota Barnathan, Jorge Herranz, and Rafael Dos Santos. The Patriots also had to deal with the creativity of Luc Fatton who was looking for an encore after his last Sports Backers appearance netting in three goals versus Old Dominion.

George Mason almost had VCU reeling in the 30’ minute. Henning Dirks intercepted a bad pass coming from VCU’s backline and sprinted towards the box. Zach Herstek received a pass inside the area and took a strike that VCU’s defense was able to block and force a corner kick.

Minutes later the Rams answered with the opening goal. Beautiful footwork at the midfield had the Patriots on edge as Eli Lockaby took the ball down the left sideline. Lockaby found Herranz from 8 yards out who finished with the outside of his right boot to give the Rams a 1-0 lead.

The Rams nearly doubled their lead off a promising cross from Lockaby that landed near post but Fatton’s header was saved by Mason’s Tomas Lapnas near the goal line. VCU could not capitalize on the second chance as the ball sailed over the goal leaving the Rams frustrated on the missed opportunity.

VCU was not disappointed with their 1-0 lead as the half-time whistle blew. The Rams outshot George Mason 13-5 in the opening 45 minutes and registered eight corner kicks to the Patriots’ three.

The second half mirrored first half of this match in VCU’s favor. The Rams once again outran and outplayed George Mason leading to frustration and bad fouls for the Patriots.

Luc Fatton collected his fourth goal of the season and doubled VCU’s lead in the 79’ minute. Lockaby’s cross found Fatton near the 6-yard line and he finished the beauty far post.

As time rolled down, VCU’s substitutes stepped up. The combination of Travis Cooke and Gerald Vargas had George Mason on edge and nearly gave the Rams the 3^rd goal just before time expired. When the final whistle blew at Sports Backers VCU collected 3 points and launched conference play with a 2-0 win over George Mason.

Next up for the Rams is their first A-10 road match in the Nation’s Capital. VCU travels to George Washington on Wednesday, October 5^th for a 2 PM kick-off.

Click below for fullscreen images

Mark Turner

Mark graduated from VCU in 2014 with a major in Criminal Justice and a minor in Psychology. He started as a fan of the Black & Gold in the stands his freshman year. Mark was known as "Kazie" for his charismatic fandom with the VCU's student organization the Rowdy Rams. While at VCU he gained experience in sports media with WVCW on a sports radio show called Rowdy Radio. Following graduation, Mark continued crafting his social media skills with the Richmond Kickers while also handling VCU coverage. He is a true fan of the Rams and vocally passionate on and off camera. After the final whistle, you can probably find him at local RVA bar or brewery enjoying a drink and conversation.