Blue Devils Fall to UNCG in Preseason Exhibition

Saturday, August 21

Durham, N.C.

7:00 PM

Duke University

UNC Greensboro (Scrimmage)

Men's Soccer Travels to No. 4 Wake Forest on Friday

Blue Devils Fall to UNCG in Preseason Exhibition

8/21/2010 9:58:00 PM | Men's Soccer

By: Duke Sports Information

DURHAM, N.C.-The Duke University men's soccer team held a 22-6 overall advantage in shots, but it was UNC Greensboro that was able to scratch out a 1-0 win over the No. 11 Blue Devils in a preseason exhibition game at Koskinen Stadium. Duke outshot the Spartans 15-3 in the second half.

After the Blue Devils controlled the run of play throughout much of the second 45 minutes, UNC Greensboro's Matt Strine was able to get loose in the penalty area and knock home the lone goal of the match with 2:01 left in regulation. Aaron Reifschneider provided the long throw in for the assist on the play.

"This is our fourth day into preseason and we've been working really hard with double sessions and haven't had any time off so we're a little bit tired, but we learned a lot about ourselves," head coach John Kerr said. "In the second half I thought we played well and had a couple of really good chances and moved the ball pretty well. I'm not worried about the result. Sure you never like losing, but we're more concerned about how we move forward."

Both teams struggled at times to get into a flow of the game in the opening session. Duke was able to create a few dangerous chances with sophomore Ryan Finley and senior Cole Grossman combining through the offensive third. Senior defender Christian Ibeagha also got in the mix, just missing on a header from a corner kick from Grossman.

The second half was all Blue Devils for the first 35 minutes. Duke continued to run at the Spartan defense and create dangerous looks. Five minutes into the period, Grossman set up for a set piece. His service sailed over everyone, hitting the post to keep the score knotted at zero.

Moments later senior midfielder Nick Sih nearly connected for the Blue Devils, but UNC Greensboro goalkeeper Peyton Ford was there to make the stop. In the 73rd minute, Finley got in behind the defense on the left side after strong passing through the midfield. Finley's initial shot was stopped by goalie Davis Griffin and the second opportunity hit the side netting.

UNC Greensboro started to pick up momentum in the final 10 minutes of the contest. Earning a throw in deep in Duke's defensive third, Reifschneider threw the ball across the face of the goal where a small scramble ensued. Strine came up with the loose ball and knocked it into the back of the net for the 1-0 victory.

Sophomore James Belshaw and Jan Trnka-Amrhein both saw time in goal for the Blue Devils. Belshaw made two stops in 58 minutes of action. Ford and Griffin combined for eight saves for the Spartans.

Duke continues its preseason exhibition schedule on Aug. 27 and Aug. 29, versus Indiana and Michigan State, respectively. Both games will be played in Ft. Wayne, Ind. The Blue Devils officially start the 2010 season on Sept. 3 against Louisville at 7:30 p.m.

-d-u-k-e-