University of Delaware Athletics
Mediate Strikes in the 2nd Half but VCU Wins 3-1 in Reg. Season Finale (Nov. 5, 2011)
11/5/2011 12:22:00 PM | Men's Soccer
Boxscore
RICHMOND, Va. --Vincent Mediate tallied his third goal of the season, but it was not enough as the University of Delaware men's soccer team concluded the regular season on the downside Friday night.
The Hens, who had already secured a spot in the upcoming Colonial Athletic Association Tournament, fell 3-1 against VCU, a team Delaware knocked off 1-0 last season to earn its first-ever bid to the league's tournament.
"It is wonderful that we are going back to the CAA championship next week," said Ian Hennessy, the first-ever Delaware coach to guide his team to back-to-back conference tournaments. "Being part of the banquet and award ceremonies is something that sticks with the players for years. The group is thrilled to be part of the post-season again, in one of the nation's stronger conferences, and I know that although it will be an uphill battle to win three games in four days, they are excited for the experience.”
Mediate kept the Hens (11-5-2, 6-4-1) in contention with a marker in the 65th minute, but Delaware could not overcome a 3-0 deficit at VCU Sports Backer Stadium.
Delaware senior goalkeeper Kris Devaux made five stops in the game as the Hens defense relinquished just eight shots on goal during the game. The Rams managed 18 total shots while Delaware attempted 14.
The Rams (11-9-0, 6-5-0 CAA) drew first blood just two minutes into the contest as Juan Monge Solano posted his fifth tally of the year, putting VCU up 1-0, a lead it clung to for the remainder of the first half.
VCU collected another two goals early in the second half to go up 3-0. Ragnar Leosson converted a penalty kick in the 54th minute while Jason Johnson knocked in the Rams' third goal of the night.
The 2011 Virginia 529 College Savings Plan Tournament will be hosted by top-seed James Madison University with the quarterfinals set to begin on Thursday, Nov. 10.
Delaware, which was selected to finish 11th in the Preseason Coaches Poll, earned a spot in the league tournament after finishing the regular season with a 6-4-1 record. Delaware will be the No. 4 seed and will face fifth-seeded Northeastern. The Hens knocked off the Huskies 2-1 during the regular season.
The Hens and Huskies will square off in the quarterfinals on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. The winner of that game will take on top-seeded James Madison Friday night, also at 7:30 p.m.
The six teams in the tournament will be playing for the automatic qualifier to the NCAA Division I Men's Soccer Tournament.
Admission prices to the CAA tournament have been set at $5 for adults, $3 for youth (ages 2-17) and senior citizens (62 and older). Children under the age of two will be admitted free of charge, as will students from participating institutions with valid ID.
