Duquesne women’s soccer open A-10 play with 1-1 draw at Davidson

FINAL:  Duquesne 1, Davidson 0

From Duquesne University Athletics Department report 

Despite the best efforts of Brianna Moore scoring the lone goal for the Duquesne University women’s soccer team, the Dukes ended Thursday’s Atlantic 10 opener in a 1-1 draw on the road at Davidson.

Duquesne (3-5-1) had an even start against the Wildcats (3-4-1) keeping the shots 4-4 in the first half as defense was the name of the game.

Sophomore forward Brianna Moore broke the ice in the 34th minute as she outran a Davidson defender and beat their keeper Emily Smith to make the game 1-0 for her third goal of the season.

DU held onto the slim lead at the half with most of the momentum leaning to them.

Davidson drew a penalty in the second half off a foul from Anna Campanella setting up a golden opportunity to tie the game for the Wildcats, but the Dukes’ junior goalkeeper Maddy Neundorfer preserved the lead with a heroic save.

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HUGE save by Maddy Neundorfer on the PK to keep us in front.#GoDukes pic.twitter.com/8S09LG8obK

— Duquesne Women's Soccer (@DuqWSoccer) September 15, 2023

The DU lead ended up falling in the 60th minute as a foul created a free kick and a fire drill in the penalty area as Davidson’s midfielder Savannah Pruitt tapped the ball in to make the game tied 1-1.

The Wildcats were able to fire back in the second half generating more pressure against the Dukes.

Neundorfer made seven saves in the final 45 and finished with a season-high eight total in the match to keep Duquesne in the game.

Despite being outshot, 12-3 DU was able to hang strong, keep the ball out of their net, and give them a chance for the win.

However, the offense could not generate a game-winning goal as the clock struck 0 and Duquesne settled for a draw to start conference play.

Moore finished the night with a team-leading three shots off the bench and had two of the Dukes’ four on target.

Duquesne will look to gain their first conference win on Sunday against Loyola Chicago at Rooney Field with kickoff starting at 1:00 P.M.