Grossman Goal Lifts Duke to Win Over Georgetown

Tuesday, August 25

Durham, N.C.

7:00 p.m.

Duke University

Georgetown (Scrimmage)

Grossman Named TopDrawer Soccer Player of the Week

Grossman Goal Lifts Duke to Win Over Georgetown

8/25/2009 10:30:00 PM | Men's Soccer

By: Duke Sports Information

DURHAM, N.C.-Duke junior Cole Grossman tallied a goal with 1:42 remaining in the first half to lift the Blue Devil men's soccer team to a 2-1 victory over Georgetown in the second of three preseason exhibition games. Duke is 1-0-1 after two exhibitions.

The first goal came early for the Blue Devils as the home squad took a 1-0 advantage in the opening five minutes. With the ball at his feet in the attacking third rookie Ryan Finley laid a pass off to Nick Sih making a run out of the back. Wide open, Sih served a beautiful cross to the back post and Finley was there to head it home for the 1-0 lead in the fifth minute.

Georgetown was able to create a few opportunities after the opening 10 minutes and capitalized in similar fashion to the Blue Devils. The Hoyas' David Madison got the ball deep in Duke's defensive third and sent a cross right on the head of Jose Colchao to even the score 1-1 in the 19th minute.

The even play continued over the next 20 minutes and it appeared Duke took the lead in the 33rd minute when sophomore Ryan Ruffing's shot hit the underside of the crossbar and came out of the goal.

Duke picked up its pace in the attack in the closing 10 minutes. Running on the right flank, sophomore Temi Molinar slotted a pass to junior Cole Grossman just inside the penalty box. Grossman took a quick look up and ripped his shot past the outstretched arms of the Hoya goaltender for what proved to be the game winner in the 44th minute.

Looking to extend its lead in the second half, the Blue Devils continued to press forward. Duke outshot the Hoyas 12-3 in the final 45 minutes, but was unable to connect. Taking a 2-1 win after the full 90 minutes, the two teams played an extra 30 minutes.

Neither team capitalized on any chances in the final session of the evening as Duke came away with the 2-1 victory.

Junior goaltender Nick Tsipis played 58 minutes and made one save. James Belshaw and Devon Bostock split the final 62 minutes and did not make a stop. Mark Wilber and Matthew Brutto both made three saves in 45 minutes of action, while Erik Garciamendez had one stop.

Duke outshot the Hoyas 24-12 for the game and earned six corner kicks to Georgetown's three.

The Blue Devils will have their final tune-up on Aug. 29 against Greensboro College at 7 p.m.