A pair of second-half goals handed the University of Delaware men’s soccer team a 2-0 defeat to Lafayette College Tuesday night in non-conference action at Lafayette’s Oaks Stadium.

With the defeat, Delaware falls to 2-6-1 in non-conference play this season while Lafayette improves to a 3-5-1 record.

“Difficult game for us tonight,” Delaware head coach Ian Hennessy remarked. “Credit Lafayette for taking the opportunity as they did.”

Through the first 45 minutes, the Blue Hens and the Leopards held each other scoreless as UD collected two shots on goal while Lafayette posted just one.

“We had some good looks at goal, but can’t quite seem to find the quality shot needed at the moment,” Hennessy added about Delaware’s offensive struggles.

In the 58th minute of the second half, Lafayette’s Alec Golini’s header from a crossing pass that resulted in a helpful assist by Josh Brown, gave Golini his third goal of the season as the Leopards took a 1-0 lead.

Lafayette added a final goal in the 85th minute of the second half after Golini struck again for his second goal of the game. After the ball was saved on the end line by Jeff McLaughlin, Golini shot the ball into the far post of Delware’s goal that gave Lafayette a 2-0 advantage.

The Blue Hens were out shot by the Leopards, 9-10, as Joe Dipre collected Delaware’s only two shots on goal and Lafayette’s Giolini also led the Leopards with two shots on goal.

UD goalkeeper Jay Lupas made four saves in the Blue Hens defeat while LC’s Nathan McDonald registered two first-half saves in the win.

During the 28th minute of the first half, Delaware’s John Dineen was issued a yellow card by the officials. Lafayette’s Ryan Dodds and Blake Fink also received a yellow cards in the 70th and 74th minute of the second half.

“It’s conference time now for us with a difficult trip to Georgia State,” Hennessy said about UD’s CAA opener in Atlanta. “I believe we can get back to the CAA tournament for the third-straight time and have another run at a title.”

Delaware begins Colonial Athletic Association action on Saturday, Sept. 29, at 7 p.m. when the Blue Hens travel to Atlanta to square off against Georgia State at the GSU Soccer Field.