Robert Morris rolls to 5-0 victory in Head Coach Jonathan Potter’s debut

Photo courtesy Robert Morris University Athletics

From Robert Morris University Athletic Department Report 

In head coach Jonathan Potter’s first game, Robert Morris men’s soccer beat VMI today in dominating fashion, 5-0.

The Colonials now post an 1-0 overall record to begin the season, as the Keydets fall to 0-1.

“I was telling the guys, if you don’t get that first win the pressure mounts, so to get that off our back early is great.” Potter said after the match.

“Defending is a team game and scoring is a team game. Today, we did very well in possession too and were able to get several players involved.”

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED

The Colonials early on immediately took on their game plan getting to goal. Within the first six minutes of the match, the team earned three corner kicks. With possession mainly in VMI’s defensive zone, Gabe Norris got the team’s first shot on net, followed by Chase Gilley piping a shot high off a rebound from the third corner kick. RMU couldn’t get on the board early but the chances kept coming.

Past the 20^th minute mark of the match, Potter made four subs, including Darren Gray who would make the first goal happen.

Going down the left side, beating a VMI defender, Gray crossed in a hard and low pass, going off the foot of Kosi Udeh, which found sophomore Victor Koah for an easy tap-in. “At the time it was a tight game,” said Koah. “Getting that first goal really relieved the pressure and allowed us to take control of the match.”

The remainder of the half didn’t feature too many scoring opportunities between both sides. RMU posted one more shot and received one more corner kick before the halftime whistle. After 45 minutes, the Colonials found one in the back of the net, but more importantly tired out the Keydets, setting up a high-scoring second half.

Just a minute into the second half, the Colonials got forward near the box and were fouled just outside the 18-yard box on the right side. Sophomore Alex Lorigny took the shot, finding the back of the net before the Keydets goalkeeper could even attempt to dive.

2-nil is the most dangerous lead in soccer, so RMU took care of that quickly…

Minutes later, Lorigny peppered on another shot on frame, but this time saved. RMU earned two more corner kicks as well.

Finally, with another free kick chance for the Colonials, freshman defender Tim Koczulap crossed one into the box, bouncing through players. The ball found the feet of Gabe Norris as he proceeded to slot in the team’s third goal of the day.

With victory within reach, RMU decided to keep knocking at the door.

In the 62^nd minute of the match, Anass Hadran subbed on, and in the 63^rd minute he scored. Finding the ball right outside the box, Hadran took a shot and sniped a goal into the upper right-hand corner, making it 4-0.

For the next 27 minutes, RMU continued to control possession, avoiding giving up any chances in their own zone. With 15 minutes left, freshman goalkeeper Giancarlo Acosta subbed in for Kieran Gorgenyi to play the remainder of the game.

As the time was winding down, in the 89^th minute, VMI failed to clear the ball out of their own box. John Paul Mbuthia tapped a pass quickly over to Kyler Miller as the Keydet’s keeper was out of position, and Miller found the empty net to end the game on a high note.

SCORING PLAYS
28′ – Victor Koah (Goal), Assisted by: Kosi Udeh, Darren Gray
47′ – Alex Lorigny (Free Kick Goal)
55′ – Gabe Norris (Goal), Assisted by: Tim Koczulap
63′ – Anass Hadran (Goal)
89′ – Kyler Miller (Goal), Assisted by: John Paul Mbuthia

ALL-TIME AGAINST VMI
RMU remains undefeated against VMI, as they’ve taken them on four times, winning all four. Victor Koah recorded his second goal against the Keydets in as many games, and Darren Gray did so as well with his second assist. All-time the Colonials have outscored the opposing program 17-2, and have outshot them 34-15.

POTTER’S POSSESSION
RMU executed head coach Jonathan Potter’s plan to a tee, as they not only put more goals in, but possessed the ball. The Colonials were able to play direct and get chances, but also took time pinging the ball around, waiting for key chances to create a play. After 90 minutes of play, RMU owned 69% of the possession, while VMI only held onto the ball for 31% of the game. The field was tilted, as RMU held the ball for 58% of the time in VMI’s half.

WELCOME TO THE MO SHOW
In the team’s first match of the year, several freshmen and transfers played their first minutes for RMU. Transfers Kai McLoughlin, Fabian Overkamp, Kosi Udeh and John Paul Mbuthia all played today. Udeh and Mbuthia both also recorded their first points as they both added a helper in the win.

Freshmen Robert Kolbeins, Tim Koczulap, Kieran Gorgenyi, Giancarlo Acosta, Kyler Miller, Mats Bramer, Yanis Rucquois and Wil Hornbaker all earned their first minutes today. Gorgenyi made four saves along with Acosta, both combining for the shutout. From Greensburg Central Catholic high school, Kyler Miller made his first appearance and scored his first collegiate goal. And, Tim Koczulap recorded his first assist in his college career.

“We were able to play a lot of guys and keep them fresh which will really help us for Sunday.” – Head Coach Jonathan Potter

UP NEXT
After winning their season and home opener, the Colonials play at home again on Sunday, August 27 at 1:00 p.m. RMU will host Niagara for their second non-conference battle of 2023.