Boxscore

Photo Courtesy of Mark Campbell

PHILADELPHIA - The University of Delaware men’s soccer team earned its fist win of the season, beating La Salle 2-1 Saturday night on a game-winning goal by sophomore midfielder Abdul Faisal Alhassan-Chibsah (at right) with under eight minutes left in regulation.

Delaware (1-3-1), which had led three out of its first four opponents coming into this game, had yet to win a game, and, according to head coach Ian Hennessy, the Blue Hens put forth a valiant effort tonight to get one in the win column.

“It was a fantastic effort by the players tonight,” Hennessy said. “Some really terrific soccer and a world-class second goal by Chibsah tonight to cap off a terrific game against a strong opponent. I am happy for the players, because this win was overdue.”

Chibsah’s “world-clas” goal came off a ball played into the air by Andy Streilein at the 82:30 mark. Delaware had been outscored 4-2 in the second half coming into this game.

The Hens struck early with a goal by Streilein just over four minutes into the game. He was assited by freshman defender Craig Aitken.

La Salle responded in the 23rd minute of play with a goal by Colin Whalen to tie it, 1-1. The score would remain 1-1 at halftime.

The second half was very evenly played with Delaware taking eight shots and La Salle taking seven.

Delaware goalkeeper Conrad Rusnak saved seven shots on the night, including a diving save at the far left side of the net at the final second of the game to earn his first career win.

With the loss, La Salle fell to 1-2-2.

Delaware returns to the field against Monmouth on Wednesday night, 7 p.m at the Delaware Mini-Staidum.

AGATE:

Delaware..................1....1.....2
La Salle....................1....0.....1

Scoring Summary: First Half: UD - Andy Streilein (Craig Aitken), 4:08; LU - Colin Whalen (Ryan Richter) 23:41. Second Half: UD - Abdul Alhassan-Chibsah (Streilein), 82:30. Shots: UD - 11, LU - 10; Corner Kicks: UD - 2, LU - 0; Saves: UD - 7 (Conrad Rusnak); LU - 5 (Andrew Bernhard); Fouls: UD - 8, LU - 6; Offsides: UD 0, LU 1.