Moon Township, Pa – Sophomore
Rafael Bruzual scored in the 108th minute to give the
Robert Morris University men's soccer team a 2-1 win against crosstown rival Duquesne University Sunday afternoon at North Athletic Complex. The home team has won the last five games between these squads. The Colonials improve to 5-5 overall while the Dukes slip to 2-4-1 overall.
The gamewinning goal started from near midfield as
Jake Cooper carried toward the Dukes goal. Cooper played the ball ahead to Puntillo who quickly hit a pass into the box. Dukes goalie Sam Frymier came charging off his line to take away the pass, but
Rafael Bruzual beat him to the spot and sent a sliding shot into the back of the net to give the Colonials a 2-1 win the 108th minute.
Regulation wasn't without drama either. Duquesne had a chance to stretch their lead to 2-0 with just under 19 minutes to play when George Poppas stepped up for a penalty kick attempt. But for the second time this season
Brenden Alfery was able to stop a PK, diving to his right keep it a one-goal contest.
Robert Morris trailed for much of the game, but were able to equalize in the 82nd minute. Carrying down the left wing,
Keane McIvor cut inside past a trio of Dukes defenders before laying off a pass to
Lucas Puntillo. Puntillo sent a shot through traffic that found space inside the far right side netting.
Duquesne took the lead in the 25th minute as the Colonials thwarted an initial corner kick attempt by the Dukes, but were unable to clear the ball out of danger. Colin Phillips controlled the ball in midfield before playing a soft ball over the top of the RMU defense. Peace Drevitch was on the receiving end, sending a shot off the first bounce into the left side netting for his first goal of the season.
Alfery finished with six saves, including five in the second half and overtime. Frymier had seven stops for the visiting Dukes.
Robert Morris continues a three-game homestand on Friday, Oct. 2, when it hosts the Howard Bison in a 3:00 p.m. game at North Athletic Complex.
