Late goal lifts Navy over Richmond, 2-1, in home opener

In its first home game in three years, the University of Richmond men's soccer team got off to a fast start but failed to hold that lead as it dropped a 2-1 decision to the Naval Academy.

The game was tied at one heading into the 89th minute when a ball that Richmond failed to clear sailed to Navy's substitute striker, David Jackson. Jackson's first shot was saved by freshman goalie Thomas Hand, but then ricocheted back to Jackson, who then shot the ball through Hand's legs to win the game for Navy, 2-1.

"We just got an unlucky break at the end where the ball was intercepted [on the clearing attempt] and it went right in," Hand said.

The Spiders were playing their home games at Ukrop Park in Chesterfield the past two years as E. Claiborne Robins Stadium was under construction and then was a football-only field last year. Prior to that, the team had played at First Market Stadium, which was expanded for football.

The crowd was announced at 554 and the fans who attended made their presence felt. At one point during the second half, the referees had to stop the game to make the announcement that artificial noise makers were prohibited as some fans brought vuvuzelas.

"It's definitely a good feeling, there's way more energy in the stadium than there was at Ukrop Park," senior Ben Brewster said. "It's great to be able to get fans out to the games again. The new stadium brings a whole new level of intensity to the game and really engages fans with the video boards and other technical aspects they've brought in."

It was a physical game filled with controversial calls. Richmond coach Clint Peay screamed on the sidelines for a call that could have given the Spiders a penalty kick in the 87th minute.

The Spiders started off with an early lead after Spencer Schiff scored off Jonat's Stephenson cross. The goal took place in the second minute of the game.

"We had an opportunity and we just didn't take it," Hand said.

An opportunity to re-take the lead came in the 40th minute when Schiff was hit in the box and drew a penalty kick. But Navy goalie Aaron Dupere guessed right when he dove and blocked the shot.

Hand is first in the Atlantic 10 Conference in saves with 54 after recording 20 against the Midshipmen.

The game became tied in the 19th minute after Navy striker Martin Sanchez scored off of a rebound.

"[It was] just a disappointing loss," Hand said.

The Spiders will have a chance to redeem themselves against High Point University in High Point, N.C. at 7 p.m. Saturday September 24th.

"We have to forget about the negatives and move forward," Schiff said.

Contact reporter Will Offit at will.offit@richmond.edu