Published: Monday, Oct. 12, 2009 / Updated: Monday, Oct. 12, 2009 07:26 AM

Elder Skonicki scores twice to propel Eagles

LEXINGTON, Va. -- Matthew Skonicki netted two second-half goals Sunday to lead the Winthrop men's soccer team to a 2-0 victory over VMI.

The win moves the Eagles to 8-2-1 on the year overall and 3-0-1 in the Big South. It was the BSC opener for the Keydets, who dropped to 1-8-1 on the year.

The Eagles' offense provided several scoring opportunities throughout the match, but it wasn't until the 71st minute that they finally put one in the net. Stephen Nsereko collected the ball near midfield, looked up and played a through ball over the top of the defense. Skonicki ran onto the ball and placed a one-touch shot out of the air that sailed over the keeper.

Just shy of 10 minutes later, Skonicki scored his second of the game and 11th on the season when he was set up for a one-on-one with VMI keeper Brian Sowell. The senior forward slipped right by Sowell and placed the ball into the empty net for a 2-0 lead.

“Playing at Patchin Field has always been a difficult challenge for us, and we're happy to get away with a road conference win,” coach Rich Posipanko said. “However, I thought our intensity level wasn't what it needed to be today, and our finishing was poor and I felt our decision-making wasn't the best. VMI had a lot to do with that through their extremely hard play and discipline and organization.”

Freshman keeper Enrique Miranda earned his second consecutive shutout as he made five saves. VMI finished the game with 20 shots and 11 corner kicks. Winthrop had 21 shots and six corner kicks.

The Eagles will be back in action at 3 p.m. Saturday when they host Radford.

WOMEN'S SOCCER — Winthrop battled to a scoreless tie with High Point in Big South Conference action at Eagle Field.

With the tie, the Lady Eagles' record is now 3-7-2 on the season and 0-2-1 in the conference, while the Panthers are 2-12-1 overall and 1-2-1 in conference play.

“I think it was an even game,” coach Melissa Heinz said. “We just have to keep trying. Our defense stayed tight in the back, and they are doing what they need to do to help us win. I'm proud of our effort.”

Winthrop had the first opportunity to score in the 33rd minute after Allie VandeWater made a short crossing pass to Rachel Webster inside of the goal box 10 yards out. Webster trapped the ball at her feet and put her shot over High Point goalkeeper Marisa Abbott's head, but it hit off the top of the crossbar and was cleared out of bounds by a Panthers defender.

“I'm pleased with today,” Heinz said. “I think that we are doing some good things that are adding up. We just have to continue to do more of the small things. I'm looking forward to seeing us build on this.”

Winthrop returns to action at 7 p.m. Friday as it travels to Radford.