University of Delaware Athletics
Delaware Opens CAA Home Schedule vs. Towson Wednesday (Oct. 2, 2012)
10/2/2012 3:56:00 PM | Men's Soccer
NEWARK, Del. –The University of Delaware men's soccer team opens its Colonial Athletic Association home schedule on Wednesday, October 3 at 7 p.m. when the Blue Hens host Towson University at Delaware Mini Stadium.
“All conference games are vital to every program in the CAA,” Delaware head coach Ian Hennessy said. “The conference had four teams go to the NCAA tournament last time around, so the depth in challenges every week is significant.
Entering Tuesday's CAA home opener, Delaware (3-6-1, 1-0) has a four-game conference winning streak spanning from last season while Towson (3-5, 1-1) looks to rebound from a 4-0 loss at James Madison on Saturday. A Blue Hens victory would give Delaware a 2-0 start in the CAA for the first time since joining the conference.
“We had a great start on the road against Georgia State and it is crucial that we approach this Towson game with the same focus,” Hennessy added. “Starting conference play at 2-0 is our goal by the end of tomorrow night and our staff will look to have our players ready to compete.”
Delaware and Towson have played 31 matches since 1979 with the Blue Hens owning a 3-25-3 against the Tigers during that span. UD has a 1-0-1 record against TU the past two seasons that includes a 1-1 double-overtime tie a year ago.
Led by 31st year head coach, Frank Olszewski, the Tigers return 14 lettermen from a squad that posted a 3-11-2 record last season. TU is riding a three-game road losing streak and is 1-3 in road matches this season. Junior forward Olakunle Banjo and junior defender Christian Hofer share the team lead with two goals. Banjo, a third-team All-CAA selection last year, paces the Tigers with six points.
Delaware is looking for its first win at home this season as the Blue Hens own a 0-1-1 record at Delaware Mini Stadium. Behind junior forward Roberto Giminez's game-winning, free-kick goal and Mark Garrity's first two-goal game, UD seized a 3-2 win over Georgia State in Saturday's CAA opener. Gimenez and Garrity lead the Blue Hens with two goals apiece. Sophomore goalkeeper Jay Lupas leads the CAA with 43 saves and a 4.30 saves per game average.
The Blue Hens will remain home for the rest of the week and play on Sunday, October 7 at 4 p.m. against No. 4 ranked Old Dominion University. Sunday's match will be the second of a doubleheader as the University of Delaware women's soccer team will host Northeastern University at 1 p.m.
