Graf Sparks #21 Bradley Monday at New Hampshire
DURHAM, N.H. – Bradley junior forward Jochen Graf (Double Oak, Texas/Faustina Academy) contributed to two goals in a span of 1-minute, 16-seconds midway through the second half, leading the #21 Braves (7-2-2) to a 2-1 win at New Hampshire (4-6-0) Monday afternoon at Bremmer Field.
With the Braves trailing, 1-0, Graf scored the tying goal, unassisted, at 62:13 then set up Desmond Campbell’s game-winner at 63:29. The span of 1-minute, 16-seconds between goals was the shortest time between Bradley goals since the Braves needed just 35 seconds to score consecutive goals in a 2-2 tie Oct. 10, 2007 at #8 Creighton.
Campbell’s second career goal is his second game-winner and helped the Braves improve to 6-2-2 in their last 10 games, all decided by no more than one goal. The streak of 10 consecutive 1-goal-or-less decisions is the longest in program history.
Graf may be pushing for more games in New Hampshire. He is the team’s third-leading scorer on the season with six points on two goals and two assists and has scored both goals and dished one of the assists during three games in New Hampshire. Graf scored the overtime winner versus South Florida Sept. 9 in the first round of the Dartmouth Classic.
Heading home with a 2-1-1 record in two trips to New England this year (Bradley went 1-0-1 at the Dartmouth Classic last month), Bradley has improved to 5-1-1 away from home this season. With only three Missouri Valley Conference road games remaining, the Braves are guaranteed a winning record away from home during the regular season.
After starting slow in Saturday’s 2-1 loss at Massachusetts, Bradley got off to a quicker start Monday, but the early pressure did not immediately lead to results on the scoreboard. Bradley outshot New Hampshire 7-3 in the first 25 minutes, but the Wildcats were the first to find the back of the net in the 30th minute.
Moments after Bradley keeper Brian Billings saved a shot by David Schlatter, Brad Hilton started the scoring play with a centering service. Ugochukwu drove home the resulting shot inside the right post for his first goal of the season at 29:20, giving New Hampshire a 1-0 lead.
Bradley ended the first half with a 9-7 advantage in shots, then turned up the pressure in the second half with a 9-4 edge to finish the game with an 18-11 margin. Bradley also held an 8-3 advantage in corner kicks.
The pressure paid off in the 63rd minute when Graf tracked down a loose ball in the penalty area and buried the tying goal. Just over a minute later, Graf fed Campbell with a through ball and the Bradley freshman beat New Hampshire keeper Travis Worra with a shot inside the right post.
Bradley will complete its season-long, 4-game road swing by visiting Drake in the Missouri Valley Conference opener for both teams Saturday night. The Braves will return home Oct. 10 by hosting UMKC in a 3 p.m. game at Shea Stadium.
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