Duke Falls to Kentucky 4-2 in Opener

Monday, September 21

Lexington, Ky.

7:30 P.M.

Duke University

0-1-0, 0-0-0

Kentucky

1-1-0, 0-0-0

Duke

Kentucky

Photo by: Grace Bradley

Duke Falls to Kentucky 4-2 in Opener

9/21/2020 10:18:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score Box Score

LEXINGTON, Kentucky – Kentucky scored a pair of second half goals to earn a 4-2 victory over Duke in the Blue Devils' 2020 men's soccer season opener. Jack Doran and Daniel Wright scored for the Blue Devils.

After a combined four goals in the first 45 minutes, both teams struggled to do much in the final third in the second half. A second goal off a corner kick in the 76th minute proved to be the difference for the Wildcats. They also tacked on a security goal in the 86th minute.

The opening half was an even battle as Kentucky and Duke traded goals to head into halftime all square at 2-2. Both teams were in attacking frames of mind, playing direct and pressing forward – and it paid off in the form of a combined four goals.

The Blue Devils nabbed the 1-0 advantage in the 18th minute after Nicolas Macri drew a foul on Kentucky goalie Enrique Facusse inside the penalty area. Doran, playing his first game since 2018, stepped up to the 12-yard spot and fired it past Facusse.

Kentucky answered in the 25th minute, capitalizing on its second corner kick of the night. Robert Screen served the ball in to his biggest target in Aimé Mabika for the equalizing goal.

Unfazed by the Wildcats' response, Duke started to take control of the game for the next 20 minutes. The Blue Devils, once again, drew Facusse off his line as he stopped Wright's first look. With Facusse scrambling back into position, junior Conor Kelly passed the ball back to Wright who fired it inside the near post for the 2-1 lead in the 33rd minute.

The Wildcats had an answer again moments later in the 41st minute. This time it came in the run of play as Kalil ElMedkhar took a pass and ripped it from 18 yards into the corner of the net to even the score for the Wildcats.

Scoring opportunities were hard to come by in the second half. The Blue Devils were able to get down the flanks at times and serve in quality crosses, but the finishing runs and touches weren't quite there.

Kentucky had a couple of good looks in the early minutes of the first period, but Duke's defense did well to absorb the pressure and regain possession. The Wildcats had 10 shots in the final 45 minutes, while their defense tightened up and held Duke without a shot.

In goal, senior Will Pulisic and freshman JT Harms split the halves. Harms posted one save. Facusse had one save as well in 90 minutes of action.

Duke opens its ACC and home schedule Saturday, Sept. 26 against NC State. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m., on ACC Network Extra.

#GoDuke