DURHAM, N.C. – The University of Delaware’s men’s soccer had an early first-half lead, but fell to host Duke University 2-1, Sunday afternoon on the final day of the 31st annual John Rennie Nike Invitational held at Koskinen Stadium. The match was delayed 90 minutes due to a lightning delay.

Delaware (0-3) lost its second-straight match to an ACC opponent at the John Rennie Nike Invitational while Duke (1-2) collected its first win of the 2012 campaign. The Hens fell to North Carolina State in the opening round of the tournament on Friday.

“Delighted with the response of the lads,” said Delaware head coach Ian Hennessy. “I felt that we could have managed the win when we went ahead, but credit Duke with a solid comeback performance today.”

“The take home message for our squad was that when we are committed to every moment and phase of the game, we can play with anyone in the country. We certainly showed that again today,” Hennessy added. “I am optimistic that things are starting to come together for us as we head into September and conference play. I am excited that the group recognizes it.”

At the 6:10 mark of the first half, Blue Hens freshman forward Joe Dipre tallied his first collegiate goal - and the Blue Hens’ first goal of the season - as he hit the back of Duke’s net from seven-feet away as Delaware took an early 1-0 lead.

The Blue Devils knotted the match at 1-1 during the 27th minute when Duke’s Nick Palodichuk headed a ball into the back of the net with assists from Ryan Thompson and Luis Rendon.

Duke seized a 2-1 advantage at the 30:57 mark in the first half after Luis Rendon punched in his first goal of the season from 31-feet away after a pass from Sebastian Ibeagha.

Making his third-straight start for the Blue Hens in goal, sophomore Jay Lupas tallied four saves in the loss. Mark Garrity registered two of Delaware’s five shots on goal.

Blue Devils goalkeeper James Belshaw registered two saves for the comeback victory. Palodichuk led the Blue Devils with five shots and joined Rendon with two shots on goal in the win.
 
The Blue Hens will travel to Pittsburgh, Pa. to play in the University of Pittsburgh Invitational beginning on Friday, Sept. 7 at 5 p.m. when Delaware squares off against Duquesne University.

On Sunday, the Blue Hens will play the host University of Pittsburgh at 2:30 p.m. All games will be played at the Petersen Sports Complex.

Delaware will begin its home schedule at Delaware Mini-Stadium on Wednesday, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. when the Blue Hens play the U.S. Naval Academy.