Anania Leads Rout of Mid-Atlantic Christian

Three days after losing its season-opener, the Virginia Peninsula Community College men's soccer team routed Mid-Atlantic Christian University 10-0 in its home opener Tuesday, Aug. 27.

"We can compete with most teams if/when we have our full complement of players," said coach Kevin Darcy.

Dieumerci Anania had a hat trick, and five other Gators scored in a game they controlled from the beginning.

Anania scored the game's first goal 20 minutes in, after a nice pass from Hayden Bright. The Gators scored three more before halftime for a 4-0 lead at the break.

"It was a matter of time and solving their offside trap," Darcy said. "We were able to build numbers into the attack with regularity and put ourselves in great spots in the final third. Once we got the first goal, our confidence skyrocketed and we played with great rhythm and pace."

In addition to Anania's three goals, Michael Gallagher and Cameron Bowman each scored twice. Cody Cole, Yoseph Asenga and Abdullah Ahwala rounded out the scoring for the Gators. Goalkeepers Connor Gates and Keith Utsey shared in the shutout and kept things organized at the back all night.

Despite the convincing win, Darcy said the team has work to do before their next match.

"We need to address areas to clean up but build on this momentum as we head into Friday night's game at home vs Bluefield," he said.

For the team's schedule, go to www.vpccgators.com. For more information on VPCC, visit www.vpcc.edu.