Men's Soccer Handles Seton Hall, 2-0

Tuesday, September 30

Vidas Field

7:00 p.m.

Drexel University

4-4-2

Seton Hall

2-4-2

Seton Hall

Drexel

Photo by: Greg Carroccio

9/30/2014 8:13:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

PHILADELPHIA - The Drexel men's soccer team wrapped up non-conference play on Tuesday night at Vidas Field the best way they knew how, with a 2-0 victory over Seton Hall. Michele Pataia and Matthew DiDomenico provided the scoring for the Dragons, who suddenly have netted five goals in their last two games. Both goals came in the first half as the Dragons evened their non-conference record at 4-4-2.

For DiDomenico, a redshirt-senior who has earned the opportunity to start this season, the goal was the first of his collegiate career. He finished a set piece taken by John Grosh from 25 yards out in the 30th minute, sliding to poke the curling ball low and to the far post. Pataia's goal, his second of the season, came 16 minutes into the action after he cleaned up a deflection off a blocked shot.

Sophomore goalkeeper Tyler Afflerbach notched his fifth shutout of the season. It was the 11th of his career. Drexel now has put together clean sheets in each of its last two games, both victories. Afflerbach has not allowed a goal other than a penalty kick in 270 minutes dating back to overtime of the Dragons' loss against CSU Bakersfield.

The Dragons put together one of their most complete performances of the season at just the right time to get the shutout victory heading into Colonial Athletic Association play. Drexel nearly doubled the Pirates in shots, 15-8, with only four saves required of Afflerbach on the evening. Grosh, who had two goals in the Dragons' win at Seton Hall last year, turned in another outstanding showing with four shots including one on goal to go along with his assist. His take on a free kick early in the second half would have gone for the Dragons' third goal if not for an outstanding diving save by Seton Hall goalkeeper Julian Spindler.

Drexel now has three days off to prepare for its next opponent, William & Mary. A rematch of last year's CAA title game, the league opener will take place at the Tribe's home field in Williamsburg as the Dragons begin their quest for a third-consecutive regular season league title. The game kicks off at 7:00 p.m.