Rams flip script, shut down Spiders

Offense was at a premium Wednesday night at the University of Richmond’s First Market Stadium as a stifling VCU Rams defense shut out the Spiders, 1-0. The Spiders had won the previous two contests by a score of 1-0.

The difference in the match was a goal by VCU freshman defender Michael Denkewitz (Bremen, Germany), his first of the year.

VCU went on the offensive early and got four shots on goal in the first 25 minutes. This was all for naught, however, because of the outstanding play of Spiders redshirt freshman goalie Brock Tomlinson, who had eight saves and repeatedly thwarted VCU scoring threats.

VCU finally broke the scoreless tie in the 33rd minute. Denkewitz received a perfectly placed free kick from Senior Gerson Dos Santos (Sao Paulo, Brazil/E.E. Ruth Cabral Troncarelli) and headed the ball into the top left corner of the goal, right over the outstretched arms of Tomlinson.

The second half was the same story for the Rams as they continuously had scoring opportunities that came up short. VCU’s defense played big though, allowing only three shots on goal in the second half. Senior goalie Andrew Dykstra (Woodbridge/Osbourn Park) had to make only one save the entire match. With 10 minutes remaining in the match, Richmond’s Stephen Charecsko ripped off an open shot only to have it gobbled up by Dykstra.

With the victory, VCU pulled to within one game of tying the all-time series between the schools at 16. The Rams will be back in action Sunday as they travel to Coastal Carolina to take on the Chanticleers at 2 p.m.