HARRISONBURG, Va. (EMU Athletics) – The EMU Men’s Soccer Royals rode the wave of positive momentum from two straight wins back to their home field for a non-conference showdown against Southern Virginia on a wet Wednesday evening in Harrisonburg. The dedicated fans at the EMU Turf Field went home happy as the Royals picked up their third consecutive victory, vanquishing the Knights by a final score of 1-0 on the strength of first-year Brandon Hernandez’s first career goal.
Records: EMU 3-5, 0-0 ODAC | Southern Virginia 0-5-2, 0-0 USA South
Highlights
• Defense was the name of the game in the first half. Not only did both teams fail to light up the scoreboard, but also neither side could muster a shot in goal in the opening 45 minutes as the back lines for the Royals and Knights held strong to snuff out any opportunities.
• The game opened up a bit more in the second half as the sides starting to pepper shots on goal. EMU’s first shot on goal came from Hamid Tokhi about three minutes into the second half, approaching from the right side of the box, but his shot was stopped by the SVU keeper. About 10 minutes later, the Knights countered with a great scoring chance on a shot by Landon Stock, but Royals goalkeeper Dennis Villalta made a diving stop in the lower right corner of the net.
• 81′ | With just under 10 minutes remaining, EMU earned a corner kick opportunity and made the most of it. Ryan Lucero booted the ball into the box, Elijah Byrd headed it towards goal, and then Hernandez finished his right foot to put the Royals up 1-0. Villalta and the EMU defense took it from there to seal the win.
• This was the first win over SVU for the Royals in four tries and the first since 2019.
• The three-game winning streak is the longest for the Royals since picking up four consecutive victories in September of 2024.
Statistical Leaders
Goals: Hernandez (1)
Assists: Byrd, Lucero (1)
Saves: Dennis Villalta (3)
What’s Next
EMU Men’s Soccer will begin the ODAC portion of their schedule this Saturday, Sept. 26, when they play host to nationally-ranked Washington & Lee. Opening whistle against the Generals at the EMU Turf Field is set for 6 p.m.
— EMU Athletics —
