Boxscore

photo courtesy of Mark Campbell

POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. - The University of Delaware men’s soccer squad forfeited a late goal to the Red Foxes of Marist College dropping a 1-0 decision as it made its 2009 season debut at Tenney Stadium on Tuesday evening.

With the game knotted in a scoreless stalemate, the Red Foxes notched the game-winning goal in the 78th minute of play. Steven Morales connected with a pass from Stephan Brossard that deflected off a Blue Hen defender before finding the back of the net.

“I was very proud of the lads tonight,” said fourth-year head coach Ian Hennessy. “We traveled here tonight with a bunch of young men who have faith in the program and represented themselves with poise and the high standard of play which they believe the program demands.”

Junior co-captain and goalkeeper Conrad Rusnak tallied six saves for Delaware during the 90-minute battle, though Marist keeper Joe Pilla garnered all honors making just one save in goal to capture the win.

Though the Blue Hen offense was held to just four shots, two of which junior co-captain Jon Scheer (at right) fired off, Hennessy was pleased with the effort his team put forth.

“We were terrific with the exception of a few moments where our concentration lapsed,” he praised. “We could have come away with a tie.”

Marist who returns 19 of the 25 team members from a season ago, was awarded eight corner kicks to Delaware’s one.

“I tip my hat to Marist.” concluded Hennessy. “One could argue that Marist was the better team tonight.”

The Blue Hens will return to action on Friday, Sept. 4 at the Navy Soccer Classic when they take on UMBC at 5 p.m. before facing Navy on its home turf at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 6.

AGATE:

Delaware..........................0...0...0
Marist...............................0...1...1

Scoring Summary: First Half: None. Second Half: MAR - Steven Morales (Stephan Brossard); Shots: UD - 4, MAR - 19; Corner Kicks: UD - 1, MAR - 8; Saves: UD - 6 (Conrad Rusnak), MAR - 1 (Joe Pilla); Fouls: UD - 11, MAR 7; Offsides: UD - 2, MAR - 4.