Fernandez's Hat Trick Leads Men's Soccer's Comeback Win Over William & Mary

Saturday, September 9

Newark, DE

7:00 PM

University of Delaware

4-0-1, 1-0-1

William & Mary

1-3-1, 0-1-0

William & Mary

Delaware

9/10/2023 12:29:00 AM | Men's Soccer

NEWARK, Del. – The University of Delaware men's soccer team remained undefeated with a 3-2 victory over William & Mary.

This was the first time the Blue Hens defeated the Tribe since 2016, a 2-1 victory in the CAA Championship game.

COACHES QUOTE

"As happy as we are with the result, we're even happier with how the performance reflected the character in our group. We regrouped and we're able to play to our identity more after the break," Head Coach Tommy McMenemy said. "Our ball movement in the second half was closer to the style of play we're trying to implement, and that allowed us to dominate the game as we set out to do. Carlos deserves a special mention today, as this time last year he was recovering from a season ending injury, so the whole staff and team is delighted for him."

PLAYER QUOTE

"Despite being down 2-1 after the first half, the team never stopped believing and we fought until the last second," Carlos Fernandez said. "It was a great performance and we worked hard for that win."

HEN HIGHLIGHTS

Fernandez recorded six points with a hat trick.
Sam Donnellan, Liam Fuller, Jan Schroeder, and Richard Monath each had an assist.
Eddie DeMarco recorded a save.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Delaware took a 1-0 lead in the 21st minute after Fernandez perfectly executed give-and-go with Donnellan and slipped the ball past William & Mary's goalkeeper.
The Tribe was quick to answer and tied the game just a minute later.
The Tribe took a 2-1 lead in the 28th minute.
The Blue Hens came out firing in the second half by recording 11 shots, but William & Mary's defense remained strong as the Hens failed to score again until the 86th minute.
Fernandez recorded his second goal on the night with an incredible bicycle kick on an assist by Fuller, tying the game 2-2.
The Hens took the lead just two minutes later when Monath passed to Schroeder on the left side, who found Fernandez in the middle. Fernandez one-touched the pass with a kick to the right corner that found the back of the net and put the Hen's up 3-2.

GAME NOTES