After a draw in the Nation’s capital versus GW, VCU returned home to Sports Backers on Wednesday night looking for all three points versus La Salle.

The opening 45 minutes of play showcased defense by both teams. VCU was stuck in defensive mode as La Salle controlled possession early while the tempo seemed to be stuck at slow. For a majority of the half, the Rams worked from midfield as Brandon Eaton and Rafael Dos Santos used their speed to quicken up the pace.

As the match went on, the tempo slowly went in VCU’s favor. The Rams were able to break free of the Explorers defensive grip and started to attack. La Salle’s goalkeeper Mike Kirk did everything he could in goal, including a few dangerous opportunities if the Black & Gold capitalized. Luc Fatton caused fits on La Salle’s backline but the Rams just couldn’t find the back of the net in the 1^st half.

Santos had a chance on a Black & Gold free kick in the 43’ minute 18 yards out. After a bad tackle by La Salle, Santos struck a curler that just spun into the outside side netting. The minutes rolled by as the 1^st half drew to a close.

A defensive standoff held La Salle and VCU to a scoreless 0-0 draw at halftime. Both teams went back into the locker rooms looking to jump start their offense as the 2^nd half drew near.

VCU transformed into a ferocious herd in the 2^nd half. The Rams were able to play at blistering speed and found comfort when La Salle became more physical on the ball. As the Explorers lost organization on defense, the Black & Gold looked to capitalize with the match’s opening goal.

In the 55’ minute, Jorge Herranz answered VCU’s prayer. Alongside Santos near La Salle’s 18-yard line, the Black & Gold duo connected on a give-and-go pass that led to Herranz unleashing a firecracker of a strike into the back of the net. Celebrations aplenty erupted near the Black & Gold bench as the Rams took a 1-0 lead.

Even after finally finding the back of the net, VCU continued applying pressure. The match tempo was even faster leaving La Salle unorganized as frustration loomed over the Explorers. Eli Lockaby added more fuel to the fire in VCU’s midfield alongside Eaton and Santos as the Rams aimed to double their lead.

Luc Fatton did just that in the 75’ minute. Lockaby sent a promising through ball from midfield as Fatton ran behind La Salle’s back line successfully collecting it. Fatton went into the box and struck a low rolling ball to the right of Kirk to score his 5^th goal of the season.

The Rams sealed the deal and collected all three points in the 2-0 victory at Sports Backers. VCU improves to 2-0-1 in Atlantic 10 play as the Rams stay in contention near the top of the conference table.

A short break for VCU until the Rams get back into action on Saturday, October 15^th at Duquesne. Kick-off is scheduled for 1 PM.

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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.