The Rams hosted the NC State Wolfpack for their pre-season exhibition match at Sports Backers stadium. A few new faces added some fancy footwork but VCU struggled with close passing and moving the ball forward early on in the match. Back in goal for his junior year Pierre Gardan registered 3 saves before a successful strike from the opposition. The visitors found their way through the VCU defense in the 22nd minute when Michael Hinkson put one up and over the head of Gardan. A very aggressive Wolfpack capitalized with the use of sliding tackles and full on contact against the Rams. NC State held a 1-0 advantage at halftime.
VCU sought an equalizer in the second half. The Rams went on the attack while the Wolfpack continued to control possessions early. The black and gold settled a bit as they got more comfortable on the pitch and ground passing improved as the Rams chased opportunities to close the gap. Then NC State dealt a second blow as Julius Duchscherer sprinted through the Rams defensive line to find the back of the net in the 77th minute. The Rams made it into the box a few times but were unable to cut the deficit falling 2-0 in their first appearance of the 2016 -2017 season.
You can join the Rams for their official season opener this Friday August 26 vs Stetson, Kick off is 7pm at Sports Backers Stadium.
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