University of Delaware Athletics
University of Delaware
Elon
Hens Advance to CAA Finals with 5-4 PK Advantage Over No. r/v Elon
11/13/2015 11:24:00 PM | Men's Soccer
Boxscore (.html) | Boxscore (.pdf)
HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. – Third-seeded Delaware advanced past second-seeded Elon, 5-4 on penalty kicks, after the two teams battled to a 2-2 double overtime draw in the semifinals of the CAA Men's Soccer Championship Friday at Hofstra Stadium.
The Blue Hens (10-6-4) will play in the CAA championship game for the second straight year at 2:30 p.m. Sunday against top-seeded Hofstra, who defeated James Madison, 2-0, in the nightcap.
With penalty kicks tied at 4-4, Delaware freshman Robert Gillin (at left; Marlton, N.J./Cherokee) converted his shot into the left side of the net. Blue Hens' freshman keeper Todd Morton (West Chester, Pa./Henderson) then made a diving block of an attempt by the Phoenix's Elijah Agu to send UD to the finals.
Elon (13-5-1) rallied from a 2-0 second-half deficit to force the extra session. The Phoenix, who are currently receiving votes in the NSCAA Coaches Poll, nearly completed the comeback in the second overtime. With just 2:20 remaining, Luis Argudo's shot from the top of the box deflected off the left post.
Delaware struck quickly and took a 1-0 lead just 8:16 into the match. Senior midfielder Joe Dipre (below right; Betchworth, England/London Freemen's School) was able to dribble into the middle of the box and sent a left-footed shot off the right post for his fourth goal of the season. The Blue Hens nearly tacked on another score 90 seconds later, but a 12-yard chip from junior Guillermo Delgado (Tres Cantos, Spain/Jose Luis Sampedro) flew just wide.
The Blue Hens extended their lead to 2-0 in the 54th minute. A Delaware corner kick led to a scramble in front of the Elon net. Senior midfielder Ben Sampson (Woodbury, Minn./Woodbury) was able to corral a rebound and score his third goal of the year from five yards out.
Morton finished with six saves in goal for Delaware, while Matthew Jegier stopped five 
shots for Elon.
“This was a fantastic, emotional and entertaining result against a terrific Elon team as they head into the NCAA draw next week for sure. One of the most pleasing aspects of this team and this program is the ability to draw a following to away games. I was thrilled with the support of the player's families and alumni. It was also terrific to have Stuart Grant, who is a great supporter of Delaware athletics, make it all the way from Delaware to watch us. Our most vocal support tonight came from the Wilmington University soccer team as they are playing their NCAA game nearby tomorrow. It was a nice act of solidarity for both Delaware's educational and athletic institutions and we are very honored.”
HEN SCRATCHINGS
· Delaware is now unbeaten (6-0-2) in its past eight matches. During that span, the Hens have outscored opponents, 23-9.
· The Blue Hens are 4-2-4 (.600) all-time in the CAA Tournament.
· Elon outshot Delaware, 18-12, and also held a 4-2 advantage in penalty corners.
· Tonight's match marked Elon's first draw of the season after the Phoenix went the entire regular season without a tie.
· Guillermo Delgado added to his career point total and now sits with 85 career points (37g, 11a).
· Since 2011, UD has earned two berths to the NCAA Tournament with a CAA Tournament Championship in 2011, CAA Regular Season title in 2014 and two CAA Tournament Finals appearances.
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
· Sunday, November 15 – #3 Delaware at #1 Hofstran – 2:30 p.m. – Hofstra Soccer Stadium (Hempstead, N.Y.) – American Sports Network
· Further postseason play TBA
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please contact Maggie Hayon | mhayon@udel.edu | O: 302-831-6389 | C: 920-912-6635
