One is All You Need as Blue Hens Defeat UNCW 1-0
October 30, 2010
Game Photo Courtesy of Mark Campbell_lg.jpg)
• Boxscore
NEWARK, Del. - With two of the lowest scoring teams in the conference still fighting for the ever-important fourth spot in the Colonial Athletic Association playoffs, the University of Delaware men’s soccer team defeated defending conference champions UNC Wilmington 1-0 for the first time in program history on Saturday night.
“Remarkable night again for the lads,” said UD head coach Ian Hennessy. “This was the first win ever against a well coached team and defending champions in UNCW.”
The Blue Hens have came alive down the stretch, carrying a record of 2-1-2 over the last six games, earning themselves 14 points in the CAA standings.
“We made some adjustments from the start of the season and the players have responded. Things are starting to pay off in the form of shutouts,” said Hennessy after his team recorded its fifth shutout of the season. “And this is largely allows us to stay in games from start to finish, where perhaps we might have folded in the past.”
After tonight’s contests, William & Mary tied the Pride of Hofstra 0-0. William & Mary has 23 points while Hofstra has 15. Delaware, after picking up three points with tonight’s win, has 14. George Mason upended Georgia State to bring its total to 14 as well. Virginia Commonwealth, with plays Towson on Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m.
It was a night of firsts as Vincent Mediate (at right) tallied his first goal of the season to seal the victory for the Blue Hens (5-8-3, 4-4-2). Mediate was the benefactor of a mishandled ball by a Seahawk defender. Not missing the chance to score, Mediate banged home what proved to be the game-winner in the 48th minute of the match.
We had another terrific crowd and I believe that we continue to provide good entertainment with some good exciting games,” said Hennessy of the 250-plus people in the stands at Delaware Mini Stadium. “The conference has shown itself again to be one of the best in the nation and to know that we are still in the play-off hunt to the last game is historic and incredibly exciting for the players.”
Delaware controlled the action through the first half, outshooting the Seahawks 9-7 in the first 45 minutes. But UNCW (7-6-4, 3-3-4) took eight shots in the second period while the Hens managed just four, but that included the winning tally.
In the Blue Hen goal, Brandon Paul tallied his second-consecutive shutout. It was a difficult night as he made seven saves, and perhaps none were bigger than in the final 19 seconds. UNC Wilmington’s Shaun Utterson blasted a set piece that would have snuck just under the crossbar had Paul not made a spectacular diving save to preserve the victory.
The game was a colorful affair, with seven cards being handed out, including the Seahawks’ Christian Davidson being shown two yellows and being ejected from the game.
“Now we have one more game and it seems at this point everything to play for,” said Hennessy. “We can't ask for more than that".
Delaware plays its season finale and fights one last time for a playoff spot when the Blue Hens host VCU on Sunday, Nov. 7. The opening kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Delaware Mini Stadium.
