University of Delaware Athletics
University of Delaware
James Madison vs. UNCW (Semifinals)
Delaware Advances to Colonial Athletic Association Title Game with 1-0 Overtime Victory Over Northeastern
11/14/2014 6:10:00 PM | Men's Soccer
NEWARK, Del. - In a game that saw both teams unable to score in regulation, the University of Delaware men's soccer team was finally able to find the back of the net in overtime to give the Blue Hens a 1-0 win over Northeastern Friday in the Colonial Athletic Association semifinals at Stuart and Suzanne Grant Stadium.
The victory gives Delaware a berth in Sunday's CAA Championship game where the Blue Hens will take on No. 6 James Madison, who upset No. 2 UNCW 2-0 in the first semifinal Friday.
Freshman Carlos Perales proved to be the hero Friday for Delaware as the freshman scored the game-winning goal on a free kick just minutes into the first overtime session.
Ian HennessyDelaware (13-5-1, 5-2-1 CAA) had many scoring opportunities in regulation, but Northeastern goalkeeper Dylan Faber made multiple outstanding saves to preserve the scoreless tie.
Guillermo Delgado used his speed to put pressure on the Husky defense all night and that speed put Perales in position to win the game. The game-clinching score was setup by a Northeastern foul on Delgado early in overtime. The freshman then showed tremendous poise and buried the ball in the top left corner for the game-winner.
Delgado and Joe Dipre led UD with two shots each on the night, while Donovan Fayd, Brad Fountain, and Frantzdy Pierrot led Northeastern with two shots apiece. UD outshot Northeastern
9-7 in Friday's winning effort.
“Tonight was an amazing game and an amazing win for us,” said Perales (right). “I am so happy right now. To win the CAA in the regular season and to play at home in the postseason is great. I am just happy I was able to come through when my team needed me to.”
Friday was the second time this season the Blue Hens and Huskies played an overtime contest. Northeastern defeated UD 3-2 in overtime on Oct. 22. This is the second consecutive year where the Huskies downed Delaware in the regular season, only to see the Blue Hens get revenge with a victory in the postseason. UD needed two overtimes to knock off Northeastern in last season's CAA quarterfinals.
In Friday's first semifinal matchup, the James Madison University men's soccer team was able to upset UNCW by a 2-0 margin.
The Dukes scored one goal in both halves and used a strong defensive effort to thwart the Seahawk offense.
Josh Grant put the Dukes on the board in the first half at the 33:52 mark, while Jonathan Barden gave JMU the all-important two-goal advantage when senior converted a penalty kick opportunity.
On Sunday, the Blue Hens will look to win the CAA Championship for the second time in four years and clinch a NCAA Tournament berth for the third time in four years.
Top-seeded Delaware will take on No. 6 JMU Sunday at 1 p.m. for the CAA Championship at Stuart and Suzanne Grant Stadium. The game will be televised on the America Sports Network. Check your local listings for the channel in your area.
