VMI Dominates Warren Wilson 6-0 Behind Explosive Offensive Display Keydets Strike Six Times in Season Opener as Choi and Yough Lead Commanding Victory
SWANNANOA, NC – Virginia Military Institute announced their arrival in emphatic fashion on Tuesday night, dismantling Warren Wilson College 6-0 in a dominant performance that showcased the Keydets' attacking prowess and tactical superiority.
The floodgates opened in a devastating three-minute span during the first half that effectively decided the contest. Jack Yough broke the deadlock in the 26th minute, converting a well-worked move involving assists from Andres Fuentes-Ramos and Rowen Choi. Just 25 seconds later, Choi found the net himself with help from Yeirin Mejia, stunning the Warren Wilson defense. The midfielder wasn't finished, adding an unassisted strike at 28:35 to complete a remarkable hat-trick sequence that left the Owls reeling at 3-0.
VMI's clinical finishing stood in stark contrast to Warren Wilson's struggles in the final third. The Keydets registered 23 shots compared to just six from the hosts, with 10 efforts finding the target. Thimson Duolo proved particularly menacing throughout, unleashing eight shots and consistently troubling the Warren Wilson backline with his movement and creativity.
The second half brought no respite for the overwhelmed Owls defense. Ben Mullins extended the lead at 58:38, capitalizing on assists from Duolo and Sam Dowdy in what became a recurring theme of VMI's superior combination play. Eighteen seconds later, Duolo rewarded his tireless efforts with an unassisted goal to make it 5-0, effectively ending any hopes of a Warren Wilson comeback.
Yough capped the scoring extravaganza at 71:42, his second goal of the evening coming courtesy of another Dowdy assist. The defender's two-goal performance highlighted VMI's balanced attack, with scoring contributions coming from multiple positions across the formation.
Warren Wilson's defensive struggles were compounded by their inability to create sustained pressure. The Owls managed just two shots on target despite enjoying seven corner kicks, with goalkeeper changes at halftime reflecting the mounting pressure. Kamdyn Gramsch-Milliken started between the posts before Connor Hefner took over for the final 45 minutes, making several saves to prevent an even more lopsided scoreline.
VMI's tactical discipline shone through in their patient buildup play and clinical execution. Dowdy emerged as a key orchestrator with two assists, while the midfield trio of Choi, Duolo, and the supporting cast consistently found space to exploit Warren Wilson's defensive vulnerabilities.
The Keydets' depth proved crucial as head coach utilized 20 players throughout the 90 minutes, maintaining intensity and freshness while giving valuable experience to the broader squad. This rotation policy allowed VMI to sustain their high pressing game and continue creating chances even with the result beyond doubt.
For Warren Wilson, the defeat exposed significant defensive frailties that will need immediate attention. The Owls' inability to cope with VMI's pace and movement in the final third, combined with their struggles to maintain possession in midfield, contributed to a thoroughly disappointing home opener.
The comprehensive nature of VMI's victory sends a strong message about their ambitions for the upcoming season. With multiple goal scorers, creative midfield play, and tactical versatility on display, the Keydets appear well-positioned for a successful campaign.
Warren Wilson, meanwhile, must quickly regroup and address the defensive issues that allowed VMI to dominate proceedings so thoroughly in what will go down as a chastening experience for the home side.
Key Players
- Rowen Choi (VMI) - Two goals and one assist in a dominant midfield display, including crucial strikes in the first-half blitz
- Thimson Duolo (VMI) - One goal, one assist, and team-high eight shots while consistently troubling the Warren Wilson defense
- Jack Yough (VMI) - Two goals from the defensive position showcasing VMI's attacking depth and balanced scoring threat