SALEM, Va. -- It was the "Texas Twosome" that helped lift Virginia Wesleyan College's men's soccer team to a thrilling 2-1 double overtime win over defending Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) champion Roanoke College on Saturday.

Sophomore Josh Kemp (Frisco, Texas/Addison Trinity Christian) took a feed from junior Isaac Arrington (DeSoto, Texas/Midlothian)to knock in the winning goal in the closing minutes of the second overtime against the Maroons, the preseason pick to repeat as champion.

"Isaac and I are from the same hometown in Texas and we played on the same club team for a year," said Kemp, "so I knew how he'd play the ball."

That familiarity led to the winning goal with 109:13 played in the contest at Roanoke's Kerr Stadium. It was actually the second goal of the game for Kemp, who gave Virginia Wesleyan the lead 17:14 into the contest.  He was assisted by Josh McNamara (Springfield/West Springfield).

Roanoke (9-4-1, 5-2-1 ODAC) tied the game at the 69:17 mark when Orestis Illias (Toronto, Ontario/York Mills Collegiate Institute) scored, assisted by Jackson Goyette (Toronto, Ontario/Davidson Day School).

Roanoke finished with a slim 11-10 edge in shots in Saturday's game, but Virginia Wesleyan posted a 9-5 advantage in corner kicks. 

"It was definitely a tough game," said VWC head coach Chris Mills. "Playing here is always a challenge, but the guys fought hard to the end.  We still have some tough games coming up. The guys are peaking at the right time, but we still have some higher goals and expectations."

The victory was the fourth in the last five games for Virginia Wesleyan, which is 4-0-1 in that span.  The Marlins have improved to 10-4-1 overall and to 6-2 in the ODAC heading into the final three regular season games of the season.  Two of those games will be played at VWC, beginning with a Wednesday, Oct. 23, contest hosting the Tigers of Hampden-Sydney College at 7 p.m.  The Marlins also host Shenandoah University on Saturday, Oct. 26, at 3:30 p.m., before closing the regular schedule on Wednesday, Oct. 30, at 4:30 p.m. at Randolph-Macon College.

--AMDG--