Duke Battles USD to 1-1 Draw in Final Seconds

Friday, August 26

Durham, N.C.

7:30 PM

Duke University

0-0-1

San Diego

0-0-1

OT 3

OT 4

University of San Diego

Duke

Duke Battles USD to 1-1 Draw in Final Seconds

8/26/2016 11:36:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score Photos: Duke 1, San Diego 1

By: Duke Sports Information

DURHAM, N.C.—Duke junior Cameron Moseley scored with 16 seconds left in regulation to help the Blue Devils salvage a 1-1 draw against University of San Diego in the Blue Devils' season opener. Duke outshot the Toreros 22-6 in the game, battling to a tie to close out the first day of the John Rennie Nike Invitational at Koskinen Stadium.

“It was a great soccer game for the fans,” said head coach John Kerr. “San Diego is a rugged team, very tough and they fought for every ball. They made life very difficult for us. We weren't as sharp as we needed to be. At least we were in good spots and we tried our tails off. It's disappointing that we didn't come out with a win, but I'm so happy they tied it up in those last couple seconds.”

Neither Duke nor San Diego threatened much in the first half as both squads struggled at points to develop a rhythm. The two squads combined for just seven shots overall and two on frame and headed into the break scoreless.

After a slightly sluggish start to the second half, the Blue Devils picked up their play and possession followed.

While the Blue Devils controlled the run of play, they were unable to solve the puzzle of making that final pass into the final third. Moseley nearly broke through the Toreros backline, but was taken down just outside the box. The resulting free kick from Ryan Thompson sailed over the bar to keep the teams knotted at zero.

Just minutes later in a similar set piece for San Diego, Leon Mueller-Wiesen whipped a service towards the near post where Merlin Hoeckendorff beat his Duke defender to head it past Blue Devil goalkeeper Robert Moewes for the 1-0 lead in the 70th minute.

Duke, looking to make sure it came away with at least a point, played the final 20 minutes with a renewed sense of urgency. The Blue Devils started creating quality chances after quality chances. Rookie Suniel Veerakone had a fantastic look at goal, but sent it over the goal, while Brian White had a pair of opportunities, but couldn't quite connect.

After knocking on the door for the previous 10 minutes, the Blue Devils finally broke through with Moseley's tying goal. Rookie defender Max Moser sent the ball into the penalty area for a final chance and Carter Manley flicked it into the box for Moseley to put it in and force overtime.

The 20 overtime minutes belonged to the Blue Devils as they were the only team in danger of scoring. Duke outshot the Toreros 8-1 and had three corner kicks. However, they were unable to come away with the Golden Goal for the win, settling for the 1-1 draw.

Moewes made four saves in his official debut for the Blue Devils in goal, while San Diego goalie Thomas Olsen made five saves.

Duke returns to action to close the John Rennie Nike Invitational Sunday against UNC Asheville at 2:30 p.m. The game will be aired on the ACC Network Extra and cane be watched on ESPN3.

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