Top-Seeded Duquesne turns back La Salle for gritty 1-0 A-10 Quarterfinal victory

In postseason soccer, style points go out the window. All that matters is finding a way to survive and advance.

For top-seeded Duquesne, that moment arrived on the Bluff when it mattered most. Redshirt freshman Steel Bayer scored his first career collegiate goal off a corner-kick set piece, and the Dukes’ lockdown backline pitched a clean sheet to defeat No. 8 seed La Salle 1-0 in a tense Atlantic 10 Tournament quarterfinal Friday night at Rooney Field.

The victory avenged a frustrating 3-0 regular-season finale loss to the Explorers just six days prior and punches Duquesne’s ticket to the A-10 Semifinals.

How It Happened

After a physical, scoreless stalemate through the opening hour where scoring chances were at a premium, the breakthrough finally materialized from a corner. Bayer, who has stepped up seamlessly amidst defensive rotation and injuries on the backline, tracked the service and buried his header to send the home crowd into a frenzy.

“I was just praying before the game that we could win this game,” Bayer reflected post-game. “As soon as I was able to get that ball clean off my head and find the back of the net, I just could not wait to go celebrate with my teammates.”

Head coach Chase Brooks noted that while set-piece goals hadn’t always fallen their way throughout the year, the execution on Friday night could not have come at a better time.

“We know we’ve got size, we know we’ve got the ability there,” Brooks said. “What a time to get your first one. Love it.”

True to form, Duquesne’s defense—anchored by goalkeeper Sam Coss—held La Salle without a single shot on goal all night. Praising his squad’s “bend, don’t break” mentality, Bayer highlighted the brotherhood and versatility of a backline that has consistently posted one of the top goals-against averages in the country.

“People have served suspensions, people have been injured, and we have had five guys completely step up,” Bayer said. “Whatever three combination we have out there has led us to a great goals-against average.”

LOOKING AHEAD

With the quarterfinal hurdle cleared, the top-seeded Dukes control their own destiny as they march deeper into the postseason, keeping their ultimate goal of hosting and winning a championship on Rooney Field squarely in sight.  Next up, the Dukes will be tested by Fordham, on Tuesday (Time TBA).

Look for more post match reaction to come from Zac Weiss, who was at Rooney Field on Friday!

PLAY-BY-PLAY BREAKDOWN (THROUGH 70 MINUTES)

Second Half

• FINAL: DUQUESNE 1, LA SALLE 0
  • Some heated tensions immediately after the match as players need to be separated, with La Salle players clearly expressing discontent after their season came to a halt.

• 76′ — DUQUESNE GOAL!!   — Steel Bayer!!

Though on the second replay (not on the social media clip below) — it looked more like an own goal.  According to the stat sheet, that was the first shot on goal for either side!

• 68′ – 70′: Head coach Chase Brooks brought Cody Da and Sergios Feneridis back into the attack to push for the breakthrough down the stretch.

• 60′ – 66′: Duquesne kept pressing as Pepo Bravo had a shot blocked inside the 18, and Jameson Michel pulled a left-footed attempt wide. Tensions rose as yellow cards were issued to Duquesne’s Roni Badler and La Salle’s Sasha Rabala.

• 59th Minute (VAR Review): A heavy collision occurred in the box when La Salle’s goalkeeper came out to challenge a Duquesne runner. After no call on the pitch, the play went to VAR review for a potential penalty.

• 48′ – 52′: Duquesne came out aggressive after the break. A set-piece sequence saw Dan Banks’ attempt blocked, followed by Alex Posada sailing a shot just high over the crossbar.

Pregame / First Half overview:

• 16th Minute: Duquesne’s best opening chance came when Tyler Kato made a dynamic run into the box, but his attempt pulled just wide of the far target.

• Physical Battle: Both teams traded heavy tackles, drawing fouls on Elijah Jensen and Miles Imparato for Duquesne, and Julius de Vries for La Salle.

• Late Pressure: Duquesne earned three consecutive corner kicks just before halftime (including a blocked attempt by Tyler Kato), but La Salle held firm to keep it scoreless at the intermission.

John Krysinsky

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).