VCU scores twice in first half to down NU men's soccer, 2-0

Christian McKenna had two shots on goal for Northeastern on Friday

Box Score | Season Stats

RICHMOND, Va. – VCU scored twice in a span of three minutes early in the first half and held the Northeastern men's soccer team (1-2-0) to five shots en route to a 2-0 victory on Friday night at Sports Backers Stadium as part of the 39th annual Stihl Soccer Classic.

Freshman goalkeeper Jonathan Thuresson tied a season-high with five saves in the losing effort, while Christian McKenna had a team-high two shots on goal. Garrett Cyprus made four saves to earn the clean sheet.

The Rams outshot Northeastern 12-5 in the match, including a 7-4 edge in shots on goal. VCU also earned eight corners to NU's four.

VCU applied heavy pressure from the opening whistle, generating several opportunities in the offensive third and earning a corner in just the second minute of play.

Minutes after Ritchie Duffie whistled a shot just over the crossbar, the Rams bolted out to a 1-0 advantage in the 13th minute when Kharlton Belmar blasted a shot past Thuresson for his second goal of the season.

VCU continued to dictate the game less than three minutes later as Devon Fisher fired a shot from 25 yards out that got over Thuresson and into the top right corner for his first of the season.

McKenna attempted to cut into the deficit as the first half wore on with a pair of shots, two of Northeastern's three shots on goal in the opening 45 minutes, but Cyprus was able to steer them aside. Thuresson, meanwhile, would make two saves before half.

VCU continued to pepper Thuresson in the second half, forcing the rookie goalkeeper to make another three saves.

On the other end, Harry Swartz had an early second half chance for the Huskies on a shot that Cyprus handled. The Huskies were also awarded two corners during the final 45 minutes, but could not convert.

The Huskies will be back in action on Sunday when Northeastern takes on another former conference rival, Old Dominion, at 7 p.m. in Norfolk, Virginia.

Game Notes:
• Northeastern is now 6-4-2 all-time against VCU

• Charlton Muhlauri made his first collegiate start on Friday, while Lewis Aird made his collegiate debut in the 63rd minute.

• No. 13 North Carolina defeated Old Dominion in the first game of the Stihl Soccer Classic on Saturday, 1-0.

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Players Mentioned

#7 Christian McKenna: F; 5' 7"; Sophomore

#9 Harry Swartz: F; 5' 7"; Freshman

#30 Jonathan Thuresson: GK; 6' 3"; Freshman

#2 Charlton Muhlauri: M; 5' 7"; Freshman

#6 Lewis Aird: D; 6' 0"; Sophomore

Players Mentioned

#7 Christian McKenna
: 5' 7"; Sophomore
: F

#9 Harry Swartz
: 5' 7"; Freshman
: F

#30 Jonathan Thuresson
: 6' 3"; Freshman
: GK

#2 Charlton Muhlauri
: 5' 7"; Freshman
: M

#6 Lewis Aird
: 6' 0"; Sophomore
: D