Nov. 13, 2011
HARRISONBURG, Va. - The No. 18 Old Dominion University men's soccer team fell to Delaware on Sunday afternoon in the CAA Championship Game at the JMU Soccer Complex, 2-1.
ODU finishes as runner-up in the CAA Tournament for the first time in 2005. Despite outshooting the Blue Hens, 15-9, the Monarchs were not able to convert on their opportunities around the goal.
The Monarchs (12-5-1) got on the board first as junior Yannick Smith was dragged down in the box and the Blue Hens were called for a foul allowing junior Jordan LeBlanc to score on the penalty kick in the 20th minute. It was the second goal in as many games for LeBlanc as he converted a penalty kick in the box on Friday in the second half against Georgia State.
The Blue Hens (12-5-4) responded towards the end of the first half when Vincent Mediate's shot was saved by junior goalkeeper Victor Francoz. Mediate was able to slice the rebound into the left corner for the goal in the 34th minute to tie the game.
Beginning the second half, ODU had multiple scoring chances as they took nine more corner kicks in the game than Delaware. Unable to convert, Delaware was able to score in the 65th minute on an odd play as Mediate's cross in front of the goal glanced off the head of defender Drew Smith, who was attempting to clear the ball, and past Francoz for the deciding goal.
Tim Hopkinson, Tommy Webb and Jason Gaylord were named to the CAA All-Tournament Team for the Monarchs.
Old Dominion will now hope for an at-large bid as the NCAA Tournament Selection Show is set for Monday, Nov. 14 at 4:30 p.m.