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Back at home, Robert Morris shuts out Detroit Mercy, 2-0

Photo courtesy Robert Morris University athletics

From Robert Morris University report

Playing its first home game in over two weeks, the Robert Morris University men’s soccer team captured a 2-0 shutout over Detroit Mercy on Saturday afternoon in conference play.

With the win, the Colonials improve to 5-7-1 overall this season with a 3-3-1 mark in Horizon League action. Meanwhile, the Titans fall to 4-7-5 overall behind a 3-2-3 record in league action.

“Very pleased with the entire team today,” head coach Jason O’Keefe said.

“Everyone had a role to play and they did it to the highest level. Complete team win and shutout today against a very good Detroit Mercy team,” O’Keefe continued.

“We need to recover, grow, and turn our focus to a very well coached Green Bay team.”

It took less than three minutes into the contest for Robert Morris to get on the board as junior Hugo Kadima gave the Colonials a 1-0 lead. Detroit Mercy responded back as they tallied two corner kicks and a shot on goal that was saved by sophomore keeper Friedrich Petrelli. Robert Morris continued to pepper the net as they carded three-straight shots in a seven-minute span. Both teams combined for four corner kicks as RMU held an advantage at the half.

The Colonials opened the second half with a shot and a corner kick before a foul was committed inside the box on the Titans. Junior Chase Gilley took the kick for RMU and found the left side of the net to stretch the Colonial lead, 2-0 at the 53:14 mark. After a shot in the 61st minute by Detroit Mercy, Robert Morris tallied three-straight shots and a corner kick. The Titans were held without a shot for over a 10-minute span as the Colonials controlled the pace on the offensive end.

BACK OF THE NET
It didn’t take long for Robert Morris to grab a 1-0 advantage as freshman Victor Koah chipped a pass into the box that found Kadima, who fired a shot with defenders around him and beat the goalkeeper to the back of the net. After a foul was committed in the box on sophomore Bryan Akongo, Gilley was able to capitalize on the penalty kick and stretch the Colonial lead.

QUICK HITS
Gilley scores his team leading fifth goal of the season … Kadima tallies his third goal … Koah registered his second assist this fall … Petrelli records his fourth shutout … RMU finished with an 11-5 shot advantage and a 6-3 edge in shots on goal … Colonials held a 9-5 lead in corner kicks.

NEXT UP
RMU returns to the pitch when they travel to Green Bay on Saturday, October 29, in Horizon League action at 8:00 p.m.

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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