Second Half Goals Secures 2-1 Blue Hens Win

by Adam Nichols

September 10, 2012

PITTSBURGH, Pa. -- With two second-half goals by Vincent Mediate and Evan Reed, the University of Delaware’s men’s soccer secured a 2-1 comeback victory over Duquesne University Friday evening on the opening day of the University of Pittsburgh Nike Invitational at Pitt’s Petersen Sports Complex.

Delaware’s (1-3) picked up its first victory of the season and handed Duquesne (1-3) it third non-league setback of the 2012 campaign.

“We are thrilled with the win today,” Delaware head coach Ian Hennessy expressed. “We showed great commitment in getting our first road win and we played some lovely soccer at times. “Hopefully this will keep things rolling and we can win the tournament against host Pittsburgh on Sunday.”

Tied 1-1 with less than 15 minutes to play in the game, Mediate (at right) punched in a crossing pass from Roberto Gimenez from the left corner eight yards away for the game-winning goal at 75:03 of the second half. Gimenez’s touch pass secured his first assist of the season.

The Dukes took an early 1-0 lead at the 39:09 mark of the first half when Simon Gomez rushed the net and played the ball off of Delaware goalkeeper Jay Lupas that resulted in Joshua Patterson putting the ball in the back of the Blue Hens net for the game’s first goal. Gomez tallied his third assist of the season on the play.

Delaware knotted the match at 1-1 at the 46:20 mark of the second half after Reed blasted a goal into Duquesne’s net from 46-feet away.

Mediate, the 2011 Colonial Athletic Association Tournament Most Valuable Player, paced the Blue Hens with four shots while Kyle Nuel added three shots on goal. Lupas registered his first victory for Delaware after he collected four saves.

Duquesne’s Patterson led the Dukes with five shots in the loss. Goalkeeper Same Frymier suffered his second defeat in goal after he made 10 saves for Duquesne.

On Sunday, the Blue Hens will play host University of Pittsburgh at 2:30 p.m. in the final match of the tournament.

Delaware will begin its home schedule at Delaware Mini-Stadium on Wednesday, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. when the Blue Hens host Navy.