Courtesy: David Petkofsky/UVa Media Relations Brian Ownby
DURHAM, N.C. – In a tough road environment, the No. 19 Virginia men’s soccer team fell to Duke, 1-0, in overtime Saturday night. Mike Grella converted a penalty kick in the 97th minute that was the difference in the game.
“We played very well and I was very pleased with our performance,” Virginia head coach George Gelnovatch said. “We had two very good chances in the first half and that was probably our time to score. To lose on a penalty kick in overtime is just a tough thing.”
Virginia (8-5-1, 4-2-0 ACC) out-shot Duke for the game, 11-8, and held a 6-4 advantage in corner kicks. The teams played to a scoreless first half after a shot on goal by Hunter Jumper in the 9th minute that was saved by Blue Devil goalkeeper Brendan Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald came up with two more saves in the first half, as Matt Mitchell fired shots on goal in the 36th minute and the 38th minute. Brian Ownby also had two shots in the first half.
In the second half, Duke’s Mike Grella had a chance in the 61st minute, but his shot was saved by Virginia goalkeeper Michael Giallombardo.
In the overtime period, Virginia was whistled for a foul in the penalty box in the 97th minute and Grella converted his penalty kick to give Duke (8-5-2, 3-2-2 ACC) the victory.
Giallombardo finished with one save, while Fitzgerald had five saves in goal for Duke.
Virginia concludes the regular-season with three-straight home contests, beginning Tuesday, Oct. 28 vs. American. Kick-off from Klöckner Stadium is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Full Scoreboard
Courtesy: David Petkofsky/UVa Media Relations