sweeper David Garry's goal in overtime gave the Eagles a 3-2 victory over Virginia Military Institute and also its 300th victory as a program, Saturday afternoon in Big South Conference action.
With the win the Eagles improve to 5-7 overall and 3-1 in the Big South. VMI drops to 8-5-1 overall and 2-2-1 in the Big South.
Garry's game-winner came in the 97th minute on a free kick. The free kick was set up after John Gilkerson was fouled chasing down a through ball down the left side. Garry's shot bent around and over the head of VMI keeper Thomas Upton into the top right corner for his first collegiate goal.
"Certainly the wind was a major factor in the game," said head coach Rich Posipanko, who captured his 150th victory at Winthrop with the win. "But I was also disappointed in our lack of effort and intensity most of the game. I don't think we understood the importance of it."
"I was very impressed with VMI and where they've come in the last two years and certainly have a team that could compete for the conference championship."
It was a windy afternoon and the Eagles took advantage of having the wind at their backs in the first half with two goals. Freshman Sean Weron put Winthrop up 1-0 just a minute and 13 seconds into the game as he headed home a free kick cross from Garry. David Kenga made it 2-0 in the 40th minute as he beat Upton near post from the left side.
VMI fought back and within a four and a half minute span the Keydets tied the game at 2-2. Charles Nweke started the scoring for VMI as he scored on a shot from 30 yards out in the 53rd minute. Then Michael Lloyd scored in the 57th minute to tie the match. Lloyd took a drop pass from Rory Page and placed the ball into the right side of the goal from about eight yards out.
Winthrop faces conference foe Birmingham-Southern on the road Tuesday at 7 p.m. The next home game will be Friday, Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. against Gardner-Webb. There will be a special ceremony to recognize the teams’ 300th victory at halftime of the game. All soccer alumni are invited to participate in the special ceremony.
