Since 2004, the St. John’s men’s soccer team has started each season in dramatic fashion and Adam Himeno made sure that this year would be no different.

In the opening round of the Virginia Soccer Classic, Himeno scored the winner, off a pass from sophomore Tafadzwa Chiduku to lift the Red Storm to a 1-0 victory over the Virginia Cavaliers.

Himeno, along with sophomore midfielder Ale Ivo, each finished the game with a team-high three shots.

“Virginia is a strong team with a great offense and with such big crowds, this is always a tough place to play,” said head coach Dave Masur. “I thought we attacked well and did a good job defending on their corner kicks.”

Virginia (0-1-0) would test the Red Storm’s defense, especially in the second half and finish the game with a total of 17 shots.

Senior goalie Neal Kitson made his tenth career start in goal and finished the game with a total of seven saved shots.