NORFOLK, Va. – After torrential rain Sunday afternoon forced the postponement of the second half of the Old Dominion men’s soccer home opener, the Monarchs finished off a 1-0 victory over Radford on Monday afternoon.
The teams completed the first half Sunday before storms rolled through and forced the completion on Monday.
"What an interesting 24 hours. We started the game really well last night and controlled possession. We asked for a response from the group and got it. Having to come back this morning and play another 45 minutes is never easy, especially after another 30 minute weather delay. The players earned the result and I'm very happy to keep a clean sheet,” said ODU Head Coach Tennant McVea.
The Monarchs got on the board with 28:03 left in the first half as Lewis Redding corralled a loose ball and flicked it ahead to Timothy Ennin who then connected with William Arnesen. The blast from Arnesen was well struck and sailed over an outstretched Bryceland Peacock for the 1-0 advantage.
ODU (2-2) controlled possession for the first half as they kept constant pressure on the backline of the Highlanders. The hosts held an 8-2 advantage in shots in the opening half on Sunday before the rains hit.
With the teams back on the pitch Monday, the second half start was pushed back 30 minutes to allow more time for the field to drain after early morning rain. When play resumed, Radford (0-3) opened with the pressure cranking two shots at ODU goalie Michael Statham who snared both.
Radford held a slim 4-3 shots advantage in the second half as ODU finished with an 11-6 lead in shots. The Monarchs had seven corner kicks to one for Radford in the match.
ODU returns to the home field on Friday night at 7 p.m. when they entertain UMBC.