Blue Hen junior defender John Dineen’s header in the second half handed the University of Delaware men’s soccer team a 1-0 victory over Columbia Saturday night at the Columbia Soccer Stadium.

The win snapped a two-game winless streak for Delaware (2-4-1) while Columbia fell to 2-4 record. The Lions’ four losses are all 1-0 defeats this season.

“I am so proud of the lads tonight in New York City,” Delaware head coach Ian Hennessy said following the match. “The response from a poor Navy game was terrific and we played very well tonight to keep a clean sheet.”

Dineen recorded his first goal of the season and the fourth of his career at Delaware.

After a scoreless first half, the Blue Hens capitalized on an offensive opportunity and took a 1-0 lead over the Lions when Dineen headed the ball into the back of Columbia’s net off a chip by Kyle Nuel, who earned an assist on the play at the 70:49 mark of the second half.

Blue Hen sophomore goalkeeper Jay Lupas collected three saves to post his first collegiate shutout victory. Delaware tallied five shots in the victory as newcomer Asante Benjamin and Dineen each registered one shot on goal to lead the team.

Columbia had 12 shots in the loss as three different Lions players posted a shot on goal. CU goalkeeper Kyle Jackson made one save in the game.

The Blue Hens will return to action on Tuesday, Sept. 18 when Delaware hosts Big East Conference foe Seton Hall University at 7 p.m. at Delaware Mini Stadium.

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