Bobby Mo Steals the Show: Robert Morris stuns No. 18 Duquesne with late three goal blitz

Cross-Tahn Derby 2024: Bobby Mo Steals the Show

FINAL:  Robert Morris 3, Duquesne 0

Match Stats 

Robert Morris men’s soccer program found a signature win in the second season under head coach Jonathan Potter by surging past No. 18 Duquesne, 3-0, in the 29th meeting between the crosstown rivals on Tuesday afternoon at North Athletic Complex.

The Colonials broke open a tight contest that remained scoreless until the 68th minute, starting with Tim Koczulap’s wonder strike, followed by goals from Logan Gilley and Kosi Udah.

“It was a great win for the program. It’s a tough opponent. A rivalry. I am happy for our team. Happy we’re finding our way,” Jonathan Potter, Robert Morris Head Coach said following the match.

The win improves RMU’s record to 2-2-2 on the season, while they handed the Dukes (5-1-1) their first loss of the season.

It was the first win for Robert Morris over Duquesne since 2015.  The Dukes previously won five consecutive matches in the Derby and still hold a 19-7-3 advantage in the all-time series.

Still, the Colonials protected their house well again, improving their record to 7-5-3 in matches played in Moon Township.

How It Happened

The match opened at a measured pace, with the first shot of the game not coming until the 14th minute.

Through the first 25 minutes, Duquesne were on the front foot, however, following a yellow card issued to Koczulap, the Colonials soon found their rhythm.

RMU’s attack started to heat up in the closing stages of the first half, generating four shots and earning three corner kicks in the last seven minutes. Despite increasing pressure, neither team was able to break through, with RMU holding a 52% edge in possession at halftime.

Koczulap broke the deadlock with a stunning long-range strike off his left foot, in the 68th minute.

GOALLLLLL‼️

AN ABSOLUTE SCREAMER FROM TIM KOCZULAP! #BobbyMo pic.twitter.com/bd2rk1xljw

— RMU Men's Soccer (@RMUMSoccer) September 17, 2024

“It was a great hit,” Potter said, of the defender from Berlin, Germany, scoring his first goal as a Colonial.

“He doesn’t get forward a lot, so for him to get a goal like that, it’s amazing,”

Moments later, Koczulap turned provider, curling a pinpoint cross to the back post for Gilley, who headed it home to double the lead to 2-0.

Less than 30 seconds later, forward Kosi Udeh put the Dukes away for good, by capitalizing on a rebound from Kyler Miller’s initial shot to give RMU a commanding 3-0 lead.

COLONIALS ARE ON FIRE🔥🔥🔥

Two quick goals by Logan Gilley and Kosi Udeh give us a 3-0 lead over the Dukes‼️ #BobbyMo pic.twitter.com/WXtQpcGmwt

— RMU Men's Soccer (@RMUMSoccer) September 17, 2024

Duquesne struggled to respond and failed to mount a comeback. Dukes forward Maxi Hopfer received a yellow card in the 84th minute.

It was a great result for the Colonials, as Potter credited his squad’s work in shutting down the explosive Dukes in setting the tone for the match.

“Our two straight clean sheets show that we’re playing more aggressively, pressing higher, and creating more transition opportunities for our attack,” Potter pointed out.

“The midfield worked hard, and the backline, along with Josh Lane’s solid saves, helped us earn this great result.”

Duquesne struggled to respond and failed to mount a comeback. Dukes forward Maxi Hopfer received a yellow card in the 84th minute.

“I give full credit to Robert Morris for making us adjust our game plan,” Brooks said.

“They deserve the win today.  In this game, you have to show up. You have to bring consistency every time you step on the field.  We didn’t match their intensity, and took our medicine for it.”

UP NEXT

The Colonials return to Horizon League action this weekend, traveling to IU Indy for a match on Saturday, September 21 at 3:00 PM.

Duquesne will turn their attention to the Atlantic 10 league schedule, as they’ll open up conference conference competition at George Washington on Saturday at 1 p.m. in our Nation’s capital.