CHESTERTOWN — Roanoke capitalized twice on set pieces in the opening half to spoil the season opener for host Washington on Friday afternoon, 2-1.
What held up as the game-winner was an “Olimpico” goal that was scored directly off the corner kick taken by midfielder Keegan Peat, a senior transfer from Division I University of North Carolina at Asheville, in the 44th minute.
The Maroons (1-0) never trailed after denting the scoreboard in the 29th minute. Graduate student Ryan Pidgeon took a shot from outside the 18 that forced a stop by Shore keeper Hannes Budde and earned the visitors a corner. On the restart, freshman Will Demus’ kick found the head of senior midfielder Carter Laatsch, who nestled the ball into the lower left corner of the goal.
Washington (0-1) ended the shutout in the 71st minute when junior midfielder Tucker Sprano found senior midfielder Tyler Davidson in open space and Davidson banked in a shot off the left post that landed in the back of the net.
The locals had a chance to even the score in the 74th minute when a header from senior Chris Glendenning, who collected a free kick in the center of the box from junior defender Tshazi Kamau, sailed over the crossbar.
Washington finished with a slim 10-8 advantage in shots, which included a 6-5 edge in shots on goal.
Sophomore Sixten Nowlan had two of the Shoremen’s six shots on frame, including a header off Davidson’s comer kick in the 12th minute that was the first shot of the match for either side.
Making his collegiate debut, sophomore Budde was credited with three saves.
This was the second match of the day in the sixth annual Athey Cup, named for former coach and athletic director Ed Athey.
Moravian defeated Stevenson in the opening match, 3-2, after trailing 1-0 and 2-1.
NEXT UP: On Sunday, Roanoke will face off against Stevenson at 11 a.m., followed by Washington taking on Moravian at 2 p.m.
