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RMU-Duquesne men battle to 1-1 draw

From Robert Morris and Duquesne University athletic department reports
Trailing by a goal in the late stages of regulation, the Robert Morris University men’s soccer team received a goal from Christian Coridon to draw even with Duquesne and eventually earn a 1-1 draw in the Colonials’ second Steel City derby in six days.
The game opened up after a slow first half as Robert Morris (0-7-2, 0-0-0 NEC) and Duquesne (2-5-1, 0-0-0 A-10) combined for 25 shots over the second half and two overtimes. The Colonials held a 19-14 edge over the course of the match, with seven of their attempts making it on target.
After having a pair of chances soar over the crossbar, the Dukes made the most of an opportunity in the 63rd minute. Jallah Acqui played a through ball into the left side of the box, connecting with Jason Twum. Twum kept his shot low, placing it perfectly inside the far right post to give the visitors a 1-0 advantage.
RMU began to press for an equalizer soon after. Keane McIvor and Rafael Bruzual each tested Duquesne goalkeeper Robbie McKelvey in the 68th and 69th minutes, but to no avail. In the 75th minute, Jake Cooper skipped it forward to Christian Coridon, who then touched it over to McIvor in the box. The senior midfielder didn’t have a lot of time to react however, as his shot was deflected into the arms of McKelvey.
In the 82nd minute, the Colonials had their tying goal. Carrying the ball down the left flank, Zac Sherman played a looping cross into the box, catching the head of Coridon. The deflection caught McKelvey off-balance as it skipped past him and into the back of the net.
RMU tried another cross from the left in the 87th minute as Bayley Winkel played a low ball into the box, but it was just out of the reach of Roald Aas Ravlum. Ravlum then forced McKelvey into a save to begin overtime after a flicked pass backwards from Bruzual.
With seconds remaining in the second overtime, Winkel used some fancy footwork to get his team out on the break. The senior sprinted down the left side before grounding a centering pass towards Sherman, but it fell just out of reach and was cleared away.
Winkel and Bruzual each generated a team-high four shots this afternoon. Winter Fondi made three saves between the sticks.
DU outshot RMU 3-2 in overtime, but could not net the difference-maker.
Robbie McKelvey finished with six saves for Duquesne. Senior Jason Twum, who did not score in his first 37 games at Duquesne, has scored twice in DU’s past three games.

“The last few days have been about getting back to basics and focusing on the defensive end of the field,” Chase Brooks, Duquesne men’s coach said, as his team earned a draw after dropping a 4-1 match at Temple earlier in the week. “Today was a step forward, but we still have a lot of work to do as we continue to focus on the start of conference play.”

The Dukes head to Ohio to face Bowling Green on Wednesday, Sept. 27 at 7:00 p.m. while Robert Morris closes non-conference play on Sunday, Oct. 1 at 2:30 p.m. when it hosts Howard.

John Krysinsky has covered soccer and other sports for many years for various publications and media outlets. He is also author of 'Miracle on the Mon' -- a book about the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, which chronicles the club, particularly the early years of Highmark Stadium with the narrative leading up to and centered around a remarkable match that helped provide a spark for the franchise. John has covered sports for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, DK Pittsburgh Sports, Pittsburgh Sports Report, has served as color commentator on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC broadcasts, and worked with OPTA Stats and broadcast teams for US Open Cup and International Champions Cup matches held in the US. Krysinsky also served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at his alma mater, Point Park University, where he led the Pioneers to the first-ever winning seasons and playoff berths (1996-98); head coach of North Catholic boys (2007-08), associate head coach of Shady Side Academy boys (2009-2014).

Glory on the Grass

Riverhounds MF Kenardo Forbes

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