NORFOLK, VA—Ryan Condotta’s penalty kick with less than eight minutes left lifted Old Dominion (6-4-1/2-1-1) to a 2-1 victory over fourth ranked Charlotte (10-2/3-1) Saturday night before the seasons second largest crowd of 1,201 at the ODU Soccer Complex.
The win was ODU’s first over a top 10-ranked team since beating then No. 1 Creighton in 2012. ODU tied No. 8 Maryland last year, 1-1, and defeated No. 10 UAB, 3-2. This is only the third time Charlotte has been held to just one goal in a game as they entered the match ranked second nationally in scoring with 30 goals in their first 11 matches.
“We showed a lot of courage tonight, we dug deep, worked really hard, and we found a way to turn it up a notch in the second half and get two goals,” said ODU head coach Alan Dawson. “I can’t be more proud of our team. We had a great week of practice, and when you practice well, you play well, and that’s the reward we go tonight. In general, our back defensive four of David Macsicza, Skylar Hagan, Nate Foglesong and Michael Nelson had a great night, and Alex did well in goal. But I think it was a total team commitment to defend that put us over the top tonight against a very, very good Charlotte team. This is a very strong league from top to bottom, and it is good to get another three points for a win. ”
The two teams were scoreless at halftime, but ODU drew first blood with a goal 58 seconds into the half as sophomore Jesse Miralrio beat his defender and pumped in the goal on an assist from Nicholas Hutchinson.
The 49ers tied the match 20 minutes later as Kyle Parker headed in a Mark Sloan cross. With 7:12 left in the match, Charlotte committed a foul in the box and sophomore Ryan Condotta’s penalty kick beat the keeper to the left of the box for the game winner.
The match was even statistically with both teams having nine shots each and five shots on goal each. ODU goalkeeper Alex Tiesenhausen had four saves, while Charlotte’s Austin Pack had three.
The Monarchs return to action Tuesday in Williamsburg against old CAA rival William and Mary. Game time is 7 p.m. and the contest will be televised live on Cox 11 and HRSN.TV.
CHR 0-1=1
ODU 0-2=2
45:58 ODU Jesse Miralrio from Nicholas Hutchinson
65:16 CHR Kyle Parker from mark Sloan
82:48 ODU Ryan Condotta on a Penalty Kick
SHOTS: ODU (9), CHR (9)
SOG:ODU (5), CHR (5)
Corners: ODU (5), CHR(5)
saves: ODU- Tiesenhausen (4), CHR- Pack (3)