The men's soccer team improved on last year's 0-2 finish at the Big Four Tournament by defeating UNC Greensboro 2-1, before falling to host UNC Charlotte 1-0 Sunday afternoon.
"We came out of it 1-1," coach John Rennie said. "We wanted to be 2-0, but Charlotte played a very good game and came away with it."
In what Rennie considered one of his team's better overall performances, Duke was simply unable to score against the otherwise outmatched 49ers. The Blue Devils (10-5-1) outshot Charlotte 8-5, controlling the game's tempo by consistently maintaining possession.
"We played very well--played great defense--but you can't win if you don't score goals," Rennie said.
Duke's defense was so dominant, in fact, that the 49ers didn't get a shot off on goalie Justin Trowbridge until the 54th minute of the game. Unfortunately, one was enough for Charlotte (9-5-1) as the indirect kick from just outside the penalty box sailed into the goal.
The Blue Devils countered by penetrating the 49er defense and creating opportunities, though 49er goalie Lucas McKanos collected four saves on the day. A handful of other Duke strikes sailed into the outside of the net.
"We just couldn't finish our chances, and they finished their first one," Rennie said.
Trevor Perea, an All-ACC performer who missed most of last season due to injuries, was the impetus of Duke's best chance to score. He fired a low shot on goal, but it was kicked off the line by a 49er defender, giving Charlotte its second consecutive 1-0 upset victory over the Blue Devils in two years.
"It was a game we felt we had to win," Charlotte coach John Tart said. "Duke is a great team. I am proud of this win and our players for our effort this entire weekend."
The host 49ers ended up winning the tournament, having defeated N.C. State 2-0 Friday.
Duke's play was consistent throughout the weekend, as Owoicho Adogwa tallied his team-leading sixth and seventh goals Friday evening in a defeat of UNC Greensboro in the opening round of the tournament. Though the Spartans captured an early lead with a goal in the second minute of play, their defense was unable to slow Adogwa, who has scored six of his goals in the past six games.
Duke knotted the score in the 16th minute when Adogwa lifted a ball over Spartan goalie Jay Benefield who had slipped about 10 yards outside of the penalty box. Rennie's squad took the lead for good in the 34th minute, when Jordan Cila found Adogwa for the game-winning goal. For Cila, who trails Adogwa with six goals, leads Duke with eight assists and 20 points in 2002.
Though the Blue Devils garnered just one of two possible victories this weekend, the team's improvement continued unhindered. Duke will look to continue the trend Nov. 1 when it hosts ACC foe Wake Forest.
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