Second Half Goals Lead Men's Soccer To First Win In 2023 2-0 At Radford

RADFORD, Va. – A pair of second half goals from Key White and Karan Mandair, separated by a 72-minute weather delay, enabled the Old Dominion men's soccer team to score their first win of the 2023 season with a 2-0 decision over Radford on Friday night.
 
"The boys were resilient under very difficult circumstances and despite the long delay they persevered and fought for our first win which is well deserved," said ODU Head Coach Alan Dawson. "I am very proud of this group."
 
After a scoreless first half, the Monarchs defense set up the first goal as Radford had a corner kick opportunity snuffed out and the ball ricocheted out toward midfield. White ran after it and played a bounce perfectly to set up a one-on-one opportunity and he put it past the keeper at 58:38 for a 1-0 ODU lead.
 
A little over five minutes later, lightning hit the Radford region and the teams went into the locker room for a 72-minute delay.
 
The teams returned and ODU (1-0-3) reestablished control of the contest forcing a corner kick in the 87^th minute where a foul was called inside the penalty box on Radford. Karan Mandair recorded his second penalty kick goal of the year at 86:34 for the final margin.
 
In the first half, the Monarchs held a possession advantage in the first 15 minutes and the last 15 minutes with Radford controlling tempo in the middle. Each team had a couple scoring opportunities, but neither could break through. 
 
ODU outshot Radford 15-6 and held a 9-3 advantage in shots on goal. Michael Statham recorded his first clean sheet of the season making two saves.
 
The Monarchs now head up Interstate 64 to face the Tribe of William & Mary on Tuesday night at 7 p.m. in Williamsburg.