University of Delaware Athletics
Grzenda Gets 200th Career Win as Hens Stun Hofstra 3-2 in CAA Tilt (Oct. 2, 2011)
10/2/2011 1:45:00 PM | Women's Soccer
Boxscore
NEWARK, Del. – Scott Grzenda got his first win at the helm of the University of Delaware women's soccer team on Sept. 15, 1990. Twenty-two years later, the 1987 Delaware graduate logged the 200th win of his career, stunning visiting Hofstra 3-2 on Sunday afternoon.
The win at Delaware Mini-Stadium snapped an 11-game losing streak against the Pride. Prior to the Oct. 2 victory, Delaware had not beaten Hofstra since a 3-0 win in 2001. It marked the first time Delaware had beaten the Pride since both teams joined the Colonial Athletic Association for the 2002 season.
This win is a milestone to all the players I've coached, it's through their hard work and effort that I'm lucky enough to be here today,” said Grzenda. “I'd really love to thank all my players, and coaches, past and present and especially my family, my wife Beth, and kids Zach, Kaitlyn and Nathan for putting up with me during the tough times and helping me celebrate the good!!! This win and the three points that go along with it was definitely a good way to reach the mark.”
Delaware had three different goal scorers for the second game in row, including a four-point effort from senior Amy Pickard. The tri-captain scored the game's first goal and her fifth of the year after finishing a pass from Chelsea Duffy. Pickard then assisted on the Hens' final two goals; the equalizer after Delaware was down 2-1 and game-winner.
Pickard's first assist went to Duffy to knot the action at 2-2 while her second helper of the day found the foot of Ali Miller, who finished to the left post.
The victory improved Delaware to 4-0 this season against teams from the state of New York. Earlier this year, Delaware knocked off Stony Brook 3-0, Siena 4-1 and the US Military Academy (Army) 2-1.
The Hens, who went 2-0 this week, knocking off Northeastern 3-0 followed by the Hofstra win. Both the Huskies and the Pride were ranked in the NSCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional Polls. Northeastern was No. 4 in the Sept. 27 rankings, while Hofstra was No. 9.
Delaware (6-4-1, 2-1-0 CAA) jumped out to an early lead on Pickard's tally in the 15th minute. Duffy pushed a perfect pass to the senior, in made a move around Hofstra's goalkeeper, Kylie Shuster, who came out to challenge the ball.
But Hofstra, which reached the second round of the NCAA tournament last season after earning an at-large bid, tied the game and then looked to take a 2-1 lead into the half time break. Calyin Dudley had the Pride's first marker, finishing a pass from Sam Scolarici. Dudley gave Hofstra an advantage after finishing on a scramble in front of the goal following a Pride corner kick.
Duffy and Pickard connected yet again, spoiling Hofstra's 2-1 lead near the end of the first half. This time however, it was Duffy who scored the goal at the 44:05 mark, knocking in a header to the top right corner of the goal. The game went in to the break knotted 2-2.
Miller tucked away the game-winning goal to pull off the stunner in the 63rd minute of the match. Pickard sent a cross into the box, forcing Shuster to come to her left while Miller put the ball away to the opposite side. Her goal withstood the final 27 minutes and proved to be the winner.
Delaware's defense played very well, shutting down the conference's leading goal scorer, Laura Greene, who had tallied 11 goals entering Sunday's game. Delaware goalkeeper Breanna Stemler had another solid day, making three saves in her 90 minutes. The senior tallied 13 saves in two games this week after a 10-point effort at Northeastern in the midweek tilt.
Opposite Stemler, Shuster made six saves against nine Delaware shots on goal. Miller, who registered five total shots, putting three on cage, paced the Hens' offense. Pickard was the only other Hen with multiple shots on goal with two.
Hofstra was whistled for 10 fouls, including seven in the second half while the Hens were called just five times. However, Miller and Duffy each received yellow cards, Miller's in the first half and Duffy's late in the second half.
Following the Duffy yellow card, Hofstra was awarded a direct kick just outside the Hens' penalty box, but the Pride could not capitalize on the opportunity, sending the attempt directly into the Delaware wall.
The Hens have a challenging week ahead, making two stops through the state of Virginia. Delaware opens the week on Friday as the Hens head to Norfolk to take on Old Dominion at 7 p.m. in a game to be played at the Old Dominion Soccer Complex.
