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Dukes stopped cold by Billikens in 1-0 loss

From Duquesne University Athletic Department report

No. 20 Saint Louis (10-1, 5-0) got a goal from Hannah Larson in the 59th minute to earn a hard-fought win over Duquesne (1-4-1, 1-3-1) on cold Rooney Field on Thursday night.

The Dukes had seven shots on goal to three for the Billikens, but couldn’t find a way to get one by SLU keeper Emily Puricelli who finished with seven saves.

Deena DeBaldo led DU with four shots, including three on goal. Jaimi Araujo had a pair of shots on goal for the Dukes.

The game, which kicked off during a snow squall, ended with the temperature at 28 degrees.

The Dukes and Billikens meet again Sunday, April 4 at 1:00 p.m. on Rooney Field (ESPN+).

The Easter Sunday match will be the final regular season home game for the Dukes who will recognize this year’s senior class prior to kickoff.

HOW IT HAPPENED

  • Duquesne goalkeeper Megan Virgin, who finished with a pair of saves, tipped a Brionna Halverson shot from outside of the box over he crossbar in the third minute.
  • Duquesne’s Deena DeBaldo put a shot right of the goal and Lexy Kendro followed with a shot off the right post in the fifth minute.
  • DeBaldo launched a well-placed shot from 30 yards out that glanced off the top of the crossbar in the 12th minute.
  • Saint Louis’ Hannah Larson made a run on goal when Virgin came off the line to make an attempt on the ball. The ball got by Virgin, but DU’s Kayla Winicki beat Larson to the ball and was able to clear it off the line in the 40th minute.
  • SLU had six shots to four for the Dukes in the first half. Each team had a pair of shots on goal in the opening 45 minutes.
  • DeBaldo crossed it to Hannah Nguyen who slid the ball to Jaimi Araujo on the left side, but SLU’s Puricelli made an outstanding save diving to her right in the 49th minute.
  • SLU’s Larson scored the game’s only goal off a pass from Hannah Friedrich in the 59th minute.
  • DU pressured the SLU net in the 67th minute with Emma Bundy’s shot to the lower left knocked away by Puricelli.
  • Araujo made a run in the 88th minute but had hard shot from straight-on saved by Puricelli.

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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