University of Delaware Athletics
Blue Hens Set for Season-Opening Weekend
8/29/2013 3:10:00 PM | Men's Soccer
NEWARK, Del. – The University of Delaware men's soccer team will open its 2013 season at home this weekend playing Friday evening and Sunday afternoon. Friday, Aug. 29 the Hens will take on UNLV at 7 p.m. before facing Seattle Sunday, Sept. 1 at 1 p.m. Each contest in this season's home opening weekend marks the first time Delaware has competed against either program.
Friday's match against the Rebels can be viewed via live stream on Hens All Access.
Ian HennessyDelaware, which registered an overall record of 4-11-4 last season while going 2-5-3 in Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) contests, looks to make its third CAA post-season appearance in four years. Its last appearance came in 2011 when the Hens won the CAA Tournament then went on to the second round of the NCAA Tournament after defeating University of Virginia in overtime.
The Blue Hens return eight seniors who will all play a key part of Delaware's success this season. Sophomore Joe Dipre, who led the Hens in scoring last season also returns to Delaware's lineup. Roberto Gimenez, a senior captain, will be counted on as a leading scorer this year for Delaware. In 2012 Gimenez ranked second on the team in scoring.
Delaware's defense will be anchored by two of its three captains, Mark Garrity and Tobias Müller. Garrity started in all 19 contests last season for Delaware while Müller was the only Delaware player to earn All-CAA post-season honors in 2012.
Goaltender Jay Lupas, who started in 17 contests last season returns to Delaware for his sophomore season. Lupas registered 66 saves in 2012 and registered two shutouts.
Transfer players, Borja Barbero (Iona College) and Nick DiRienzo (Michigan State) will look to make an imediate impact on the Delaware lineup. Barbero, a goalkeeper will add depth to the Blue Hen goalkeeping unit while DiReinzo will look to contribute in midfield.
"The lads are thrilled to get started and we expect a big crowd to support them for our season opener which has been a good draw traditionally. We have enormous respect for UNLV and their history. It should be an entertaining game and we hope to send our fans home with an exciting game to talk about and a good result for the Blue Hens."
- Head Coach Ian Hennessy
Following Sunday's contest, Delaware plays at home next Friday, Sept. 6 at 7:30 p.m. against Manhattan. The Hens then travel to Seton Hall on Sept. 10 before returning home again, Sept. 13 to face St. Bonaventure at 5 p.m. Delaware will then compete in four more non-conference contests before opening CAA competition at James Madison on Oct. 9.
All Blue Hen home games are played at the Delaware Mini-Stadium and admission is free.
