RICHMOND, Va. (Aug. 31, 2014) - Redshirt sophomore forward Joao Ramalho (Monte Santo, Brazil) continued his torrid scoring pace to start the season, netting two goals as ETSU knocked off host VCU, 2-1, Sunday to complete an unbeaten season-opening weekend and sweep of the VCU Invitational.

Friday, the Bucs (2-0) defeated William & Mary, 3-2. Both William & Mary and VCU received votes in the latest NSCAA Top 25 Coaches' Poll.

"I think this group definitely grew up a lot this weekend," ETSU Head Coach Bo Oshoniyi said. "VCU is a quality opponent in all positions and we found ways to get a result out of today's game. We knew coming into the weekend that going up against tournament-tested, senior-oriented teams would be difficult. Our guys stepped up and showed great grit and a strong backbone to not cave in during very tough circumstances."

The Rams (1-1) outshot ETSU, 16-5; however, the Bucs made the most of their scoring chances, converting two of four shots on goal.

Ramalho, who scored two goals in each of ETSU's wins, has been a force offensively, but his contributions on both sides of the pitch helped the Bucs' to an unbeaten weekend.

"This weekend was a big step for Joao [Ramalho]," Oshoniyi said. "We needed someone to step up and put the ball in the back of the net, but what I am even more excited about is how hard he is working defensively. He has been contributing well on both sides and I think he is starting to see some of the benefits of it with defense leading to some great scoring chances."

Ramalho has scored four of the Bucs' five goals this season. Sunday, the redshirt sophomore took four of the team's five shot attempts, while senior Nick Muth (Knoxville, Tenn.) registered one shot attempt on the afternoon.

Freshman goalkeeper Daniel Adelman (Johnson City, Tenn.) made four saves in the win versus VCU. Adleman was en route to earning his first career shutout until the Rams converted an 87th-minute penalty kick.

The performance capped a solid weekend for Adelman, who made nine total saves in the tournament en route to picking up a pair of victories in goal.

With the win, Oshoniyi is off to a 2-0 start as headman of the Bucs' men's soccer program.

LOOKING AHEAD

ETSU will host Radford Saturday, Sept. 6 at 7:00 p.m., for the Bucs' home opener.

"We are excited to get home and get a great crowd out for our home opener," Oshoniyi said. "While we played two tough matches this weekend, the home opener could be even tougher. Road games against teams like William & Mary and VCU are easy to get excited for, but back at home, the pressure is on the guys. I am excited to get to work with them next week and get prepared for the Radford match."

FOLLOW THE BUCS

• Stay up to date with ETSU Men’s Soccer by following the Bucs on Twitter @ETSUMSoccer or Facebook.

• ETSU fans wanting to receive Buccaneer news, score updates, in-game promotions and much more sent to their mobile device can do so by signing up for “Buc Updates.” Click here to sign up today!