Boxscore / Photo Courtesy of Mark Campbell

NEWARK, Del. – Colonial Athletic Association pre-season favorite Old Dominion got goals from four different players and spoiled the CAA opener for the University of Delaware men’s soccer team Friday night, downing the Blue Hens 4-0 at Delaware Mini-Stadium.

The game was played in a steady mist, and despite the one-sided score, the statistics were nearly even. Delaware (1-5-2, 0-1 CAA), coming off a 2-2 with Rider in its last outing, managed 10 shots on the night while the Monarchs (4-3-1, 1-0 CAA), who won their second straight game, scored on four of their 10 shot attempts. Delaware held a 6-2 advantage in corner kicks.

Old Dominion avenged a 2-0 loss last season to the Blue Hens in Newark.

“Tonight we certainly did not do enough to win,” said Delaware head coach Ian Hennessy. “But conceding four goals on 10 shots is the frustrating part. Our decision-making has got to improve if we are to pick up results as we move forward. Give credit to ODU, they managed to exploit almost every opportunity that was offered up and showed why they are favorites to win the conference."

The Monarchs tallied three times in the first half to take control, opening the scoring just 10 minutes in when Trevor Banks scored on a penalty kick past Delaware netminder Conrad Rusnak (four saves).

Old Dominion took a 3-0 lead into the break by scoring two goals just over six minutes apart. Dylan Montambo scored from 18 yards out off a feed from Haris Cekic with 6:39 left in the half and Steffen Rabben followed with his fourth goal of the season off a feed from Nane Joseph, beating Rusnak on an open net opportunity with just 21seconds left.

The Monarchs closed the scoring with 25:48 left to play when Roberto Sgueglia scored his second goal of the season from six yards out.

Monarch goalkeeper Michael Roura earned the shutout with five saves on the night while Jon Scheer led the UD offense with three shots. Blue Hen defender Taylor Thames (at right) was part of the UD defense.

Delaware will return to action Sept. 30 when the Hens travel to St. Peter’s.