RICHMOND, Va.—Gabriel Diniz scored the game-winning goal in the first overtime period to lift Stetson a 2-1 win over VCU in the season-opener for both teams, Friday at Sportsbackers Stadium.
The win marked not only the first victory of the season for the Hatters but the first career win for interim head coach Jared Vock.
“It's a very good win for us against a team that I anticipate will have a very good year,” Vock said. “It's another example of where our guys didn't quit. There were moments where VCU was in control and we never quit.”
Diniz scored when Luke Ferreira's cross went off the fingertips of VCU keeper Pierre Gardan and left the goal open for the freshman, who was heavily marked on the play. Diniz's goal was made possible thanks to a long goal kick from Paul Ladwig to Diniz, who laid the ball off to Ferreira.
Had it not been for a last-minute lineup change suggestion by assistant coach Jonathan Adams, Diniz might not have been in position to score the game winner.
“Before overtime started Coach Adams suggested we move Gabriel up to,” Vock said. “So we moved him up and if we hadn't done that he probably wouldn't have scored the goal.”
Ferreira gave the Hatters a 1-0 lead with a goal in the 14th minute. Gianluca Carbone found Ferreira for the score and the Hatters had a 1-0 lead.
It remained a 1-0 affair until the Rams tied it in the 43rd minute on a goal by Gerald Vargas.
Stetson stayed in the game thanks in part to the play Ladwig. The senior made nine saves, prompting to Vock to say “Paul made a lot of big saves. When we needed him, he did his job.”
The Hatters return to action when they visit Old Dominion, 7 p.m., Sunday.
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