Duffy's Three-Point Day Helps Delaware to its First Road Win of the Year 2-1 Over Army
File Photo Courtesy of Mark Campbell
WEST POINT, N.Y. – Behind a three-point day from sophomore Chelsea Duffy, the University of Delaware women’s soccer team picked up its first road win of the year, defeating Army 2-1 on Sunday afternoon.
The victory at Clinton Field in West Point helped the Hens remain undefeated against schools located in the state of New York. Earlier this season, Delaware defeated Stony Brook University 3-0 and Siena College 4-1.
“We played well today and I’m very happy for the girls,” said Delaware head coach Scott Grzenda, who won his 198th career game as the program’s only coach. “We showed a lot of mental strength and played with passion.”
Delaware (4-3-1) reached the scoreboard first, getting a marker from sophomore Chelsea Duffy (at right) in the 18th minute. She picked up her second goal of the season after drilling the left corner of the net on a pass from senior Leigh Victory.
Duffy’s marker was good enough to send Delaware into the halftime break with a 1-0 advantage.
Amy Pickard’s eventual game-winner found the back of the net in the 60th minute as she put in her third goal of the year. After getting a pass from Duffy, Pickard tucked her shot into the close left side of the goal to put Delaware up 2-0.
“Chelsea had a great day with a goal and an assist and Amy’s goal was sheer determination followed by a great finish,” said Grzenda.
But the Black Knights (5-2-2) kept the game interesting until the end, cutting into Delaware’s lead. Kim An, the squad’s leading scorer got Army’s first goal in the 82nd minute finishing a pass from Marissa Malta.
Army had a chance in the first half, scoring on a corner kick but the goal was pulled out after the officials determined Delaware goalkeeper Breanna Stemler was obstructed.
Stemler did not make a save in the contest, but Army managed just one shot on goal. Opposite the Blue Hen senior, Monica Lee made four saves against six Delaware shots on goal.
Pickard and Ali Miller, who scored twice on Friday night against Delaware State, combined for six shots, taking three apiece. Duffy and Dianna Marinaro each tallied two attempts.
Corner kicks favored the Black Knights, who had three as Delaware earned two. The Hens outshot Army 12-6, including seven in the second half.
Delaware became just the second team to beat Army this season, joining Duke, which was ranked No. 12 at the time. The Hens snapped a seven-game winning streak for Army, which dated back to its season-opener.
The Blue Hens two goals tied Duke for the most scored on Army this season. It is just the second time this season the Black Knights have allowed multiple goals.
“This week we’ll take care of our bumps and bruises and prepare for the first weekend of conference play,” said Grzenda of the upcoming league play.
Delaware returns to the pitch on Sept. 23 when it takes on UNC Wilmington in the Hens’ first Colonial Athletic Association game of the year. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Delaware Mini-Stadium.
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