MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. – The RMU men's soccer team battled back from an early deficit to earn a 1-1 draw against crosstown rival Duquesne Sunday evening. The Colonials are now 2-1-1 overall.
FIRST HALF
Duquesne got the start it wanted, scoring less than three minutes into the match. Following a passing sequence, Marko Rasmussen found the back of the net with assists from Dagur Hakon Matthiasson and Blaize Hardy.
The physical play began shortly after, as Duquesne's Alex Posada was issued a yellow card, setting the tone for the rivalry matchup.
For the remainder of the half, the RMU defense held strong and did not allow another shot on goal. The Colonials created chances of their own, with
Jonah Geike and
Oscar Bech putting shots on target, but RMU was unable to find an equalizer before halftime.
SECOND HALF
Early in the second half, the Colonials earned a corner kick in the 53rd minute. Duquesne had not allowed a goal in its first three games of the season, but that changed when
Riley Cotton's cross found
Nicholas Samways, who headed the ball into the back of the net to tie the match 1-1.
RMU continued to create better opportunities following the equalizer, outshooting Duquesne, 4-1, in shots on goal during the second half. The Colonials also held the edge in possession but were unable to find a game-winner, settling for a draw against the Dukes.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- RMU outshot Duquesne, 12-7, including a 7-2 advantage in shots on target. Freshman Joaquin Fazal led the Colonials with three shots.
- The Colonials earned four corner kicks, while Duquesne did not record one.
- Duquesne was called for 20 fouls and received a red card following the conclusion of the match. RMU was whistled for 17 fouls.
- The Colonials held a 58% possession advantage.
- In net, Josh Lane recorded one save.
- RMU's Oscar Bech and Abdul Kamara played all 90 minutes.
COLONIAL FIRST
Redshirt freshman
Nicholas Samways scored his first career goal Sunday. The Loveland, Ohio native has appeared in all four games for the Colonials, logging 223 minutes this season.
ALL-TIME VS. DUQUESNE
Under head coach
Jonathan Potter, RMU is now 1-1-2 against the Dukes. In those four meetings, the Colonials have outscored Duquesne, 6-3.
POTTER'S POSTGAME THOUGHTS
On playing Duquesne: "We have a ton of respect for Chase Brooks and his staff – they have a great program. It's always a pleasure to play them every fall and spring. This game always brings out the best of each team."
On tying the game in the second half: "I was really proud of how our guys fought back. We do need to start games better and get more aggressive earning the first half. We've proven we can compete physically. We need to find more moments of creating quality chances but we're getting there – there's the makings of a good team here."
UP NEXT
RMU will continue its non-conference schedule against another Atlantic 10 opponent in St. Bonaventure. The Colonials will travel to Olean, N.Y., on Friday, September 4, at 6:00 PM. The match will stream live on ESPN+.
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