HIGH POINT, N.C. – Freshman Lucas Diniz provided the game’s only goal in the 55th minute and Ryan Taylor made three saves in his second consecutive shutout, leading Radford to a 1-0 win over Northern Kentucky in the Flash Gordon Motors Invitational at High Point University on Friday afternoon.

For Diniz, the goal was the first of his collegiate career.  Nicholas Valencia sent a cross from the right side into the box, setting up a header for Diniz into the goal to the give the Highlanders (1-0-1) the lead.  Valencia’s assist was the first of his career.

Taylor earned his second shutout in as many games this season – two of his stops came in the second half.

“This was a very tough game against a strong NKU team, and we had to battle for a result,” Radford head coach Marc Reeves said.  “It was good to get another shutout, but we did really rely on Ryan Taylor making some great saves at key moments.

“We created some excellent scoring chances but again were not clean or perhaps decisive enough with our finishing. I am pleased for Lucas as he stayed positive after missing some great opportunities, but it was good build up play and an excellent cross by Nico that provided this chance.”

For the second straight game, the Highlanders had a commanding lead in shots and scoring chances – Radford outshot NKU (0-3-0) 17-9 and has a 33-16 shot advantage for the season.

Earlier in the match, Diniz had a pair of one-on-one scoring opportunities with NKU goalkeeper Toby Frohlich – one in the 29th minute and another in the 37th that was saved by Frohlich and set up a corner kick.

Chel Ho Park Kim also had scoring opportunities for the Highlanders, with five shots (three on goal).
 

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