Boston College men beat Duke in ACC quarterfinal

November 12, 2009
CARY, N.C.-Boston College's Edvin Worley headed home a cross 5:30 into the first overtime to lead the third-seeded Eagles to a 1-0 victory over sixth-seeded Duke in heavy rain and wind in the ACC Men's Soccer Tournament Quarterfinal. The Eagles advance to the semifinal, while Duke will await the NCAA Tournament bracket announcement on Nov. 16.

"It was just one of those games, whoever scores the first goal is going to win," head coach John Kerr said. "It was difficult conditions, but I was happy with the team effort. We played well and hopefully we can bounce back and get ready for the NCAA tournament."

"[The effect of the weather] was two-fold because not only was there heavy rain coming into your face but the wind was swirling and that made it difficult to get anywhere and get a clear sight of goal and a clear vision of things, so that attributed to part of [having few shots]," Kerr said. "But, still not being as aggressive in the final third as we needed to be, if we raise that five to 10 percent more we can probably do better."

After playing 90 scoreless minutes, Duke (12-6-0) and Boston College headed into the first of two golden goal overtime sessions. The Blue Devils earned the first scoring opportunity, but Boston College goalkeeper Justin Luthy came up with the save on a shot from Ryan Finley <http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=4200&ATCLID=204766687> .

 A few minutes later Duke center back Matthew Thomas <http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=4200&ATCLID=511684>  was forced out of the game because of injury and Boston College took advantage and caught the Blue Devils on their heels. A ball from the right side was served into the box where Worley headed it home for the game-winner. Charlie Rugg and Colin Murphy provided the assist.

The first half was an even affair as both teams battled the elements. Boston College (12-7-0) created the most dangerous chance just three minutes into the game when Worley got in behind the defense. Duke goalkeeper James Belshaw <http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=4200&ATCLID=204766621>  came off his line and forced Worley to poke the ball wide of the net.

The two teams settled down after the opening minutes, but struggled to generate much offense in the conditions on the field. Battling heavy rain and swirling winds, the Blue Devils and Eagles headed into the break tied at zero.

Boston College had the lone shot on goal in the opening 45 minutes and held a narrow 3-1 lead overall in shots.

The Blue Devils came out of halftime ready to control the run of play. Just 52 seconds into the half, senior Josh Bienenfeld <http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=4200&ATCLID=511680>  fired a long distance shot that sailed wide, but showed Duke's willingness to push forward.

Having the better of possession throughout the opening 25 minutes, Duke earned three consecutive corner kicks. The third one was nearly headed home by ACC Freshman of the Year Andrew Wenger <http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=4200&ATCLID=204766622> , but it flew over the crossbar to keep the game scoreless.

Both teams were in search of the seemingly game-winning score in regulation, but were just missing on that final touch in the offensive third and headed into overtime.

Boston College held a 12-7 advantage in shots, while Duke had the 7-4 edge in corner kicks. Belshaw made two stops in goal, while Luthy had one.

The Blue Devils will find out their next opponent when the NCAA Tournament draw is announced on Monday, Nov. 16 at 5:30-6:00 on ESPN News.
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