On September 5, 2025, the College of Southern Maryland’s men’s soccer team delivered a commanding 7-1 victory over Virginia Peninsula Community College at the La Plata campus. The Hawks, now 2-1-2 overall and 1-1-1 in conference play, showcased their offensive prowess, led by Matthew Knapp’s four goals. Virginia Peninsula, falling to 0-2, struggled to match Southern Maryland’s relentless attack, managing just one goal in a match that highlighted the home team’s dominance in Charles County.
The game ignited early when Knapp, assisted by Donovan Dean, scored at 2:39 in the first period, putting Southern Maryland up 1-0. Knapp struck again at 12:47, this time with an assist from Marvin Bates-Williams, doubling the lead. Virginia Peninsula responded at 33:13 when Cody Cole scored an unassisted goal, narrowing the gap to 2-1. A yellow card to Southern Maryland’s Josky Densie at 32:31 added tension, but the Hawks held their lead into halftime.
The second period saw Southern Maryland pull away. Bates-Williams, assisted by Antone Perry, scored at 46:38, making it 3-1. Aydyn Meaders found the net at 52:01, with Knapp providing the assist, pushing the score to 4-1. Knapp then completed his hat trick at 55:49, assisted by Meaders, and added his fourth goal at 59:08, again with Meaders’ help, bringing the tally to 6-1. A yellow card to Virginia Peninsula’s Dieumerci Anania at 59:03 did little to slow Southern Maryland’s momentum. Everton McKinney capped the rout with an unassisted goal at 76:27, finalizing the 7-1 scoreline.
Southern Maryland overwhelmed Virginia Peninsula statistically, outshooting them 46-10, with 24 shots on goal to the Gators’ seven. The Hawks also led in corner kicks, 8-1, and matched Virginia Peninsula’s eight fouls. Southern Maryland’s goalkeeper, Brandon Rollins, made six saves, while Virginia Peninsula’s Devin Hayes faced a barrage, recording 17 saves but allowing seven goals. Knapp led the Hawks with seven shots, four on goal, while Meaders contributed seven shots and two assists. For Virginia Peninsula, Cole and Josue Torres each managed two shots, with Cole’s lone goal keeping the Gators from a shutout.
The match, played at 4 p.m. in La Plata, showcased Southern Maryland’s offensive depth. Knapp’s four-goal performance tied a program record, while Meaders and Bates-Williams added critical contributions. The Hawks’ aggressive play and teamwork overwhelmed a Virginia Peninsula squad still seeking its first win. This local victory reinforces Southern Maryland’s growing reputation in junior college soccer, with fans from La Plata and nearby Waldorf likely energized by the performance.
Southern Maryland’s next challenge awaits as they aim to build on this momentum in conference play. For Virginia Peninsula, the loss highlights the need for defensive adjustments as they face upcoming opponents. The Hawks’ commanding display in La Plata sets a high bar for their season in Southern Maryland’s competitive soccer scene.
