Emotions run high in Duquesne’s A-10 opening 2-1 win vs Loyola (Ill)

photo courtesy Zac Weiss

Emotion ran across the face of Duquesne Men’s Soccer sophomore defender Christoffer Vie Angell as Saturday night’s Atlantic 10 Conference opener against Loyola Chicago reached its conclusion, but it was not only the result which weighed on his mind, rather dedicating a goal to a special family member.

“(Anthony) Harding has a good foot and I was free,” Vie Angell said. “I had high speed and I was sure that this was mine. I was sure that was going in and that was for my grandmother as well. The goal was for her.”

Meanwhile in between hugs towards midfield was sophomore midfielder Tom Tzabari, a player who started in all 18 games he played a season ago and while he has not done the same in any of the five matches competed in this year, the Israeli was told by his teammates to take a shot on frame from 30 yards out.

“When I hit that ball, I knew it was going to go in,” said Tzabari. “It was an amazing feeling especially here at Rooney Field. Priceless.”

#A10MSOC 58:03 @DuqMSoccer leads Loyola Chicago 2-1. Tom Tzabari launches a missile after the assist from @MohneyTate. @pghsoccernow @Cover3_ATH @JSmith_1187 @ZacharyMWeiss @atlantic10 pic.twitter.com/TyVANa1t6i

— Brandon Rossi (@Ross__Eye) September 18, 2022

This pair scored both of Duquesne’s goals in a 2-1 victory over Loyola Chicago at Rooney Field, with this match previously featuring two of the Atlantic 10’s undefeated squads.

“I’m just happy,” Vie Angell said. “We met a really good team the best one we’ve met this season. We knew it would tough but knew we would fight back. I’m proud of the whole team.”

The Vie Angell goal came in the third minute off a Nate Dragisich corner kick, giving the latter five consecutive games with an assist.

For Vie Angell it was his second goal of the season.

Loyola Chicago got on the board in the ninth minute with Andrew Schweinert netting his first goal of the season.

The Ramblers controlled most of the first half after this goal, with Duquesne goalkeeper Domenic Nascimben making multiple saves to keep the contest square at a goal apiece.

First, he dove to save a Marc Torrellas shot in the 16th minute and later, faced a shot on frame from point-blank range that he correctly guessed on.

Duquesne retreated to the locker room at halftime looking to be the aggressors, which led to a conversation led by coach Chase Brooks.

Instead of coaching right away, Brooks asked his team to provide its own feedback, before going back in and offering some tactical changes.

The conversation paid immediate dividends as captain Maxi Hopfer quickly fired a shot, which was off target. Despite banging his hands twice on the Rooney Field turf, there was an understanding that Duquesne desired to protect its home field and had returned back to its principals in the process.

Tzabari’s goal finished upper right as both Duquesne’s Lacrosse and Women’s Soccer Teams led the loud ovations on the A Walk side of the field.

“Tom has had a great attitude all season long we’ve been so impressed by him,” said Brooks. “Cam Territo has come in and done a great job but that’s part of it. That competition pushes you it shouldn’t be a demotivator. Our squad uses it to motivate, and I thanked everyone for being ready to step up when their number was called.”

As Duquesne battled both Loyola Chicago and cramps, the crowd started to provide a boost as the Dukes had to defend several attacks.

“Our fans and bench were absolutely amazing,” Tzabari said. “They made a difference with their energy and support. That was the 12th player. That was what helped us… After the goal we defended more but we did a good job moving the ball at the beginning of the second half.”

Brooks shared these sentiments and praised the defense for playing at a level that was consistent with a team towards the top of the conference standings.

When the 90 minutes expired, both teams in near unison fell to the floor, having given everything they had, though it was Duquesne who got the upper hand, matching its most games without a loss to start the season.

Now the focus will shift to Saturday when Duquesne travels to face Massachusetts as Atlantic 10 play continues.

UMass is another undefeated side at 5-0-2, though it will have a non-conference affair with UMass Lowell Tuesday.

“We can be happy now but tomorrow is a new day and we’ll think of Massachusetts,” said Tzabari. “It’s a couple of days travel and a tough game so we’ll have to be ready.”

GAMEDAY INFO

Duquesne starters (6-0-1/1-0-0 A-10)- Domenic Nascimben (GK), Christoffer Vie Angell, Jesper Moksnes, Torge Witteborg, Maxi Hopfer, Jacob Casha, Harper Cook, Anthony Harding, Nate Dragisich, Ask Ekeland, Cameron Territo

Loyola Chicago starters (4-1-2/0-1-0 A-10)- Simon Jillson (GK), Andrew Mitchell, Lukas Ender, Billy Hency, John Gates, Bryan Silver, Alex Moskal, Andrew Schweinert, Fabian Becerra, Marc Torrellas, Julian Cisneros

Goals- Christopher Vie Angell DUQ 2nd 3′, Andrew Schweinert LOY 1st 9′, Tom Tzabari DUQ 1st 57′

Cards- Alex Moskal LOY 13′, Cameron Territo DUQ 40′, Jesper Moksnes DUQ 62′, Lukas Ender LOY 74′, Maxi Hopfer DUQ 88′

Shots- Loyola 21 (9 on frame), Duquesne 15 (4 on frame)