Ebbesen's Second Half Strikes Lift Men's Soccer, 2-1 Over NJIT

Saturday, September 8

Vidas Field

6 p.m.

Drexel University

4-0-1

NJIT

4-1-0

NJIT

Drexel

Photo by: Greg Carroccio

Ebbesen's Second Half Strikes Lift Men's Soccer, 2-1 Over NJIT

9/8/2018 8:42:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

PHILADELPHIA – A pair of second-half goals from Mathias Ebbesen erased an early deficit for the Drexel men's soccer team and kept them unbeaten on the season, as the Dragons handed NJIT its first loss of the year in a 2-1 decision at Vidas Field on Saturday night. It was the first multi-goal game of Ebbesen's career as a Dragon.

Drexel moves to 4-0-1 on the season with the victory. It matches the team's best start under ninth-year head coach Doug Hess, who also led the team to a 4-0-1 mark in his first season in University City in 2010. NJIT dropped its first game of the year to fall to 4-1-0.

The Dragons found themselves in a quick hole after a penalty kick goal by the Highlanders' leading scorer Rene White put them on top in the 11th minute. The first half unfolded without much other offense, with the teams combining for seven shots and 15 fouls in the opening 45 minutes.

Much of the same was the case to open the second half before the speed of the Dragons was brought to bear. Chris Donovan, inserted into the game midway through the first half, put pressure on the NJIT defense with his disruptive play in the midfield and speed towards the box. Kwesi Allen also outraced the Highlanders on several occasions, including one in the 65th minute where he beat two defenders into the box. He was dragged down from behind as he headed for the right post, earning a penalty kick that Ebbesen took. The senior made it count, putting his shot just left of center as NJIT keeper Victor Pujades dove to the right.

Ten minutes later, Donovan was again pushing towards the box after gaining possession near midfield and gaining more than a step on his defender. Unable to chase Donovan down from behind, NJIT defender Hugo Espuela dragged him down from behind. He was issued a yellow card, one of five given in the contest, and the Dragons had a free kick from just outside the box.

Allen faked across the ball, but Ebbesen was the one who put his toe on the free kick from 20 yards out on the right side of the box. A beautifully-curled ball floated down just inside the upper left corner, breaking the tie and providing the eventual game winner.

Both teams managed a combined five shots on goal in the physical contest, with several blocked shots and broken-up passes by the defenses. Cameron Sanders, getting his second start in goal for Drexel, made a save on the only shot which tested him on the evening. Overall, the Dragons outshot NJIT 11-7.

Drexel will now look to extend its unbeaten streak as it opens Colonial Athletic Association play next Saturday. The Dragons will welcome James Madison into Vidas Field for the second of four straight at home. That game will get underway at 6 p.m.