MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. – The RMU men's soccer team secured a statement victory on Tuesday afternoon, shutting out No. 18 Duquesne, 3-0, at home. The Colonials exploded for three goals in a five-minute span during the second half to defeat the nationally ranked Dukes. The win improves RMU's record to 2-2-2 on the season.
FIRST HALF HIGHLIGHTS
- The match opened at a measured pace, with the first shot of the game not coming until the 14th minute.
- In the 24th minute, RMU defender Tim Koczulap was issued a yellow card, but the Colonials soon found their rhythm.
- RMU's offense started to heat up in the closing stages of the first half, generating four shots and earning three corner kicks in the last seven minutes.
- Despite increasing pressure, neither team was able to break through, with RMU holding a 52% edge in possession at halftime.
SECOND HALF HIGHLIGHTS
- The second half saw RMU seize control, with the offense catching fire in the 68th minute.
- Defender Tim Koczulap broke the deadlock with a stunning long-range strike off his left foot. Logan Gilley and John Paul Mbuthia were credited with assists.
- Just moments later, Koczulap turned provider, curling a pinpoint cross to the back post for Gilley, who headed it home to double the lead to 2-0.
- Less than 30 seconds later, forward Kosi Udeh made it 3-0, capitalizing on a rebound from Kyler Miller's initial shot.
- Duquesne struggled to respond and failed to mount a comeback. Dukes forward Maxi Hopfer received a yellow card in the 84th minute.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- RMU dominated the offensive stats, tallying 16 shots with eight on target compared to Duquesne's eight shots, four of which were on frame.
- The Colonials earned six corner kicks, while Duquesne managed four.
- Anass Hadran and Kosi Udeh led the team with three shots each.
- Defenders Fabian Overkamp and midfielder Anass Hadran played the full 90 minutes.
COLONIAL FIRST
Sophomore defender
Wil Hornbaker made his season debut, logging a career-high 24 minutes against the Dukes.
TWO IN A ROW FOR LANE
Sophomore goalkeeper
Josh Lane recorded his second consecutive clean sheet and now has three in his career. The Leicester, England native made four crucial saves, extending his shutout streak to 265 minutes.
OFFENSIVE SPARK
Graduate midfielder
Logan Gilley and sophomore defender
Tim Koczulap led the offensive charge, each contributing a goal and an assist. Koczulap's goal marked his first career tally, and he now boasts three career assists. Gilley, who hails from Denver, N.C., recorded his first career three-point game as well and now has two goals and four assists as a Colonial.
POTTER'S POSTGAME THOUGHTS
"This is a big win for our program, especially against a strong local rival like Duquesne. I'm proud of our team for finding our rhythm as we head into more Horizon League matches."
"Our two straight clean sheets show that we're playing more aggressively, pressing higher, and creating more transition opportunities for our attack. The midfield worked hard, and the backline, along with
Josh Lane's solid saves, helped us earn this great result."
UP NEXT
The Colonials return to Horizon League action this weekend, traveling to IU Indy for a match on Saturday, September 21 at 3:00 PM.
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