HOBOKEN, N.J. (September 15, 2010) – Sophomore Victor Daza tallied the game-winner in the 75th minute and the defense pitched its fifth shutout of 2010 as the No. 12 Stevens Institute of Technology men's soccer team defeated The College of New Jersey, 1-0, on Wednesday night at the De Baun Athletic Complex in Hoboken, N.J. With the win, the Ducks move to 4-0-1 on the season and have yet to allow a single goal against. TCNJ drops to 1-4-1.
The Stevens defense was phenomenal once again, allowing just eight shots, none of which challenged Stevens goalkeeper Zach Carr. Backs Leonardo Casas, Anthony Roden, Peter Bednarsky, and Bryan De Faria have been stalwarts all season, shutting down each of the five opponents this year.
Stevens controlled the ball and field position for 70 percent of the first half but just could not click, misfiring on several decent chances and failing to connect on many long balls. TCNJ played a few long balls as well but could not get anything going as each team mustered just four first-half shot attempts.
In the second half, the Ducks dominated the action and really began to play aggressively. Senior Michael Quijano lifted several gorgeous corners in front of the Lion goal but multiple headers and attempts just missed for the Ducks.
Both Daza and sophomore Zach Adler had quality opportunities on the left side early in the half, and though those chances did not amount to goals, it felt as if it was only a matter of time before the Ducks would take a lead. That time came at the 74:03 mark when Adler led Daza down the left side into the box. Daza controlled, made several touches, and then fired a laser, against the grain, into the lower-right corner for the score. It was the sophomore's second goal of the season and Adler was credited with his first assist.
Even with the lead, Stevens pushed for a second goal and dominated possession and field position. That goal would not come but the Ducks cruised to their third 1-0 win of the season.
Stevens has not allowed a score over 476:19 of game time in 2010 as Carr and the Ducks' defense has not been scored upon in their last eight matches dating backing to November of 2009. Carr recorded his 43rd shutout in goal for the Ducks, making four saves. Sophomore Aaron Uttman (Hopewell, N.J.) made six stops and took the loss for TCNJ.
Stevens ended the contest with a 17-8 advantage in shots and a 6-1 edge in corners.
The Ducks will return to the pitch on Friday night when they host No. 23 York College (Pa.) at the De Baun Athletic Complex. Kick-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. and all the action can be followed live at www.PennAtlantic.com.
