Lexington, VA – On a day where the Regent University Men's Soccer team was going to be highlighted nationally on ESPN+ in its game against VMI, unforeseen circumstances prevented the game from being broadcast.  However, that did not stop the Royals from taking the field against the NCAA Division 1 Keydets.  The two teams met last year with VMI getting the win, but this year Regent was looking to come in and make a statement. 

The first half saw the Royals play a balanced 45 minutes, going toe-to-toe with the Keydets.  Sophomore Tyler Hambright (Stevens, PA), Graduate Student Cameron Laubach (Millville, PA) and Freshman Landen Staples (Chesapeake, VA) each were able to attack the goal, while Senior John Morrison (St. Inigoes, MD) turned away VMI shots.  However, with 10 minutes left in the half, the Keydets broke through and took the lead into intermission, 1-0. 

The beginning of the second half was similar to the first with Regent getting off shots against VMI.  Morrison stood tall in the goal, while the Royals defense turned away a physical Keydets' offense.  With 10 minutes remaining in the game, Regent was still creating scoring opportunities, but VMI was able to put one more on the board, as the Royals fell by a final score of 2-0. 

This game was a significant improvement over last year's for Regent.  Having given up nine goals in 2023, the Royals showed the Keydets that they are vastly improved over last season.  Their performance today demonstrated they can play with NCAA teams on all levels, as they only gave up two goals, with one of them late in the game.  

Regent will be back in action on Wednesday, October 9th when they host Virginia Peninsula Community College in an exhibition.  Kick-off is scheduled for 7:00pm.