Boxscore

Photo courtesy of Mark Campbell

NEWARK, Del. -- The University of Delaware men’s soccer team scored twice in the first 16 minutes of play to give the Blue Hens a 2-0 victory over visiting La Salle University at Delaware Mini-Stadium on Tuesday evening.

Delaware (3-6-0 overall) senior Darren Christie found himself on a breakaway before he was fouled hard in the box by La Salle (3-5-1 overall) defender Ryan Tadley. A yellow card was charged to Tadley as a penalty kick was awarded to the Hens.

UD capitalized upon the opportunity when junior Chibsah Faisal (at right) faked right and shot left to notch the Hens’ first.

The Blue and Gold wasted little time and continued the momentum as they rallied off three consecutive shots before Christie tallied an insurance goal at 15:55.

With Faisal and Christie both positioned in the center of the field, Faisal sent a through ball to the feet of Christie from 25 yards out. Christie used some fancy footwork in the box to tiptoe around the defense and dodge La Salle keeper, Mason Astaneh, for the score.

Hens’ keeper Brendan Paul made a diving save in the 21st minute when Explorers’ sophomore Ryan Sepe sent a shot to the right side of goal and chanced bringing the game to within one. Though, Delaware recouped and continued to control the ball throughout the remaining minutes to lead 2-0 at the break.

“I was very happy with the lads’ performance tonight,” praised Hens’ head coach Ian Hennessy. “We have won two of our last three games due to our performance in the first half. It’s been very fluid for the most part.

“Essentially, the game was settled after the second goal -- a quality movement between Darren and Chibsah. After that I felt we managed the game very well against a good La Salle team,” Hennessy concluded.

In the highly physical battle, evident by the 28 fouls and six yellow cards charged, each team got off 10 shots. Delaware outshot the Explorers 10-5 in the first stint of play, though La Salle recorded five shots in the final 45 to balance out the game.

Paul, a freshman, made four saves in goal to notch his second shutout in a UD uniform. La Salle keeper Mason Astaneh made three saves in his 2009 debut.

With the victory, Delaware improved upon its series lead over La Salle, which now stands at 14-9-1.

Delaware will return to Colonial Athletic Association action on Saturday, Oct. 3 when it hosts James Madison University in a 7 p.m. match.

AGATE:

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

Scoring Summary: First Half: UD - Chibsah Faisal - PK - 3:54, UD - Darren Christie (Chibsah Faisal) - 15:55; Second Half: None; Shots: UD - 10, LaSALLE - 10; Corner Kicks: UD - 4, LaSALLE - 4; Saves: UD - 4 (Brandon Paul), LaSALLE - 3 (Mason Astaneh); Fouls: UD - 16, LaSALLE 12; Offsides: UD - 1, LaSALLE - 1.