THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, October 9, 1994 TAG: 9410090197
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C14 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY PATTI WALSH, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Short : 43 lines
Virginia Wesleyan ran its win streak to eight games and dazzled a homecoming crowd of about 800 spectators with a 3-0 win over Roanoke Saturday in an Old Dominion Athletic Conference men's soccer matchup at Virginia Wesleyan.
The Marlins (12-0-1), who are ranked third in the country and first in the NCAA South Atlantic Region, opened the scoring 21:07 into the match when Evan Whitson scored his 16th goal of the season, heading in Ryan Crooks' free kick just over the top of keeper Rick Keeley.
Jim Hickling, a Kempsville High graduate who leads the Marlins with 17 goals on the season, struck four minutes later, netting a rebound from a Whitson shot to give Virginia Wesleyan a 2-0 halftime advantage.
``We're very dangerous offensively,'' coach Sonny Travis said. ``We have a number of players who can score a big goal. I think that's what is contributing to our undefeated season.''
The Maroons (7-6), who have won three of the last four meetings against Virginia Wesleyan, failed to capitalize on 12 shots to the Marlins' 20.
Marlins goalkeeper Scott Morgenroth notched 11 saves en route to his ninth shutout of the year.
Gary DePalma capped the Marlins' scoring in the second half at the 78:23 mark when he dribbled through two defenders and dumped the ball in the right corner of the net passed Keeley, assisted by Larry Romaine.
``I thought we played very well in the first half,'' Travis said. ``For the second half, defensively we did a good job. We beat a good team today, a team that's been our nemesis.''
Virginia Wesleyan will visit undefeated ODAC foe Hampden-Sydney on Wednesday.
Roanoke 0 0 - 0
Virginia Wesleyan 2 1 - 3
Shots: VWC 20, Roanoke 12. Penalty Corners: Roanoke 6, VWC 4. Saves: Morgenroth 11, Keeley 9. by CNB