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Duke University
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Holy Cross
Duke Unable to Connect in 1-0 Loss to Holy Cross
10/13/2015 10:08:00 PM | Men's Soccer
DURHAM, N.C.—Duke outshot Holy Cross 19-5 for the game, but a goal in the 67th minute by Holy Cross was enough for the Crusaders to come away with a 1-0 road victory over the Blue Devils in non-conference men's soccer action tonight. It marked just the second time all year Duke has been shut out.
Duke (5-6-2) controlled the run of play throughout the 90 minutes, but a half chance from Holy Cross's Yuji Callahan from 25 yards out proved to be the difference in the game. Callahan collected a pass from Joey Devivo in the middle of the field and let his shot go from distance into the lower left corner of the goal.
“We had a lot of good approach work and build-up play and we created enough chances to win three or four games,” said head coach John Kerr. “When you don't take your chances and you don't put teams away you leave yourself open to a counterattack goal. Maybe one of the two opportunities they had Holy Cross capitalized on and fought for their lives the rest of the way.”
The Blue Devils generated countless quality looks at goal in the game, hitting the post once and watching Holy Cross's goalie come up with a few big saves. Crusader keeper Kevin Wright finished with five saves, including a couple point-blank stops.
After a scoreless first half in which Duke outshot, but never truly tested Holy Cross (4-4-4), the Blue Devils had many chances to put away the Crusaders in the second half.
Junior forward Brody Huitema, getting the start in the second half, was dangerous for the Blue Devils in the early going. He won a corner kick off a great long ball from Jared Rist and moments later he nearly one-timed a Carter Manley service past the outstretched foot of Wright.
Arguably the best chance of the night for Duke came in the 64th minute when Jeremy Ebobisse beats a Holy Cross defender and has a great one-on-one opportunity but hits the far post. Ebobisse had another chance on the back post on a corner kick later in the game, but couldn't convert.
Just minutes after Ebobisse hit the post, Callahan connected on his long range shot to put the Crusaders up 1-0. Duke continued to press forward and generated more looks, but struggled to find space at times with 10 Holy Cross players behind the ball trying to protect the lead.
Duke created chances up to the very end as Manley nearly notched his first goal of the season before Wright denied the Blue Devils again. Zach Mathers' free kick from 22 yards in the 84th minute sailed just over the bar and Holy Cross was able to hold on in the final five minutes for the win.
Mitch Kupstas finished with one save in the setback.
The Blue Devils resume ACC play Friday against No. 23 NC State at 7 p.m. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN3.
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