Men's Soccer Done In By Princeton, 1-0

Wednesday, September 24

Vidas Field

7:00 p.m.

Drexel University

2-4-2

Princeton

2-2-2

Princeton

Drexel

Photo by: Greg Carroccio

9/24/2014 8:08:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

PHILADELPHIA – Despite another strong effort by the defensive unit, the Drexel men's soccer team was edged at home on Wednesday night, 1-0 by Princeton. The Tigers netted the game's lone goal on a penalty shot converted by Thomas Sanner in the 53rd minute.

In the first half, the Dragons (2-4-2) were outshot 6-1 by the Tigers (2-2-2), though Princeton tested Drexel goalkeeper Tyler Afflerbach just once. That would prove one more save than was needed by Princeton keeper Ben Hummel on the evening, as none of the Dragons' five shots went on net.

Despite their offensive struggles, the Dragons have remained a stout defensive team for much of the season. Although Princeton was able to gain control in the Drexel end regularly throughout the evening, the Tigers were unable to distribute the ball and finish in the box. Afflerbach needed just three saves on the night to keep Princeton from scoring during regular game play.

The one mistake by the Dragons came eight minutes into the second half with a foul just inside the box in the corner to the left of Afflerbach. After just three fouls in the second half, the second of nine Dragon fouls in the second half came just as the Tigers advanced the ball into the box. The ensuing penalty shot was taken by Sanner, who went low and to the right to grab his third goal of the season.

Following the goal, Drexel began to push uptempo to get an equalizer, but continued to find itself unable to get off a shot that tested the Tigers' keeper. Robert Liberatore had perhaps the team's best look of the night in the 85th minute, firing from 20 yards out and sending it just a few feet above the crossbar. A chippy game towards the end with 24 total fouls and six cards, the contest ended with just the one goal scored as Drexel remained winless since September 3 when they scored a 1-0 victory over Villanova.

Drexel will get back on the action with another New Jersey opponent. This time, the Dragons will head to the Garden State, where they will visit Fairleigh Dickinson at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday.